Computer-based assessment and classification of periacetabular osteolytic lesions: A new method

Although it is currently the gold standard for the treatment of primary and secondary coxarthrosis, total hip arthroplasty is associated with long-time complications, primarily, polyethylene liner wear, and production of debris that lead to peri-prosthetic osteolysis and resultant aseptic mobilization. (The definition of these osteolytic areas is based on a radiographic classification first described by DeLee and Charnley in 1976.) We introduce a new radiographic classification method, based on the well-known measuring software Roman v.170 (Cook e Poullain [2002-2005, Institute of Orthopaedics, Oswestry, U.K.]) that is designed to quantify radiologic parameters. Two case studies are also described. This original method can be easily employed, and returns a precise angular classification of the position of the osteolytic area and a computerized calculation of the extent of the osteolytic lesion.