Do Hip Pins Hurt?

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Morbidity and Safety of Iliac Crest Reference Array Pins in Navigated Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Authors: Anton Lambers, Xiang Salim, Robert Jennings, Andrew Bucknill
Site: Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC

This study, conducted by Dr Anton Lambers and colleagues at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, investigates the safety and side effects of using iliac crest (hip) reference array pins in computer assisted total hip replacement (THR). The research is notable for being the first to assess patient-reported outcomes related to these pins in a live clinical setting.

The prospective study involved 43 patients undergoing navigated THR. Two temporary screws were placed in the pelvic bone to secure reference markers for navigation. Participants were monitored through surveys conducted pre-operatively and at 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery. They reported on pain, its impact on daily activities, and other discomforts. More than half the patients reported pain at the site of the pin sites, typically lasting for 2 weeks. It was uncomfortable wearing clothing, a belt or when walking and it was more common in overweight patients.

The study highlights that the hip pins used in navigated and robotic hip replacement surgery do cause some significant symptoms, but these mostly resolve in the short-term. This study provides surgeons with real data on how to set expectations for patients having computer assisted surgery using hip pins such as robotic joint replacement.

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