A validation study for estimation of femoral anteversion using the posterior lesser trochanter line: an analysis of computed tomography measurement

The aim of this study was to introduce a simple and reliable intraoperative reference guide to reproduce the normal femoral anteversion during total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that the posterior lesser trochanter line (PLTL) could be a useful guide for estimating femoral anteversion during THA. We conducted a study of 56 men (112 hips) to evaluate the relationship between the PLTL and the femoral anteversion using computed tomography scans. The mean femoral anteversion was 9.0° ± 8.1° (range, -16.2° to 32.9°). The PLTL angle correlated (r(2) = 0.12, P < 0.05) with the femoral anteversion. We found a constant relationship between the PLTL and femoral anteversion, and the PLTL may be used as a guide for estimating the femoral stem anteversion during femoral stem fixation.