INTERPRETATION The guidelines have improved method ological reporting in RSA studies , but adherence to these guidelines is still relatively low .
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Guidelines for st and ardization of  radiostereometry ( RSA )  of implants were published in 2005 to facilitate comparison of outcomes between various research groups .
In this systematic review , we determined how well studies have adhered to these guidelines .
Is Removal of Subchondral Bone Plate Advantageous in Cemented Cup Fixation?: A Randomized RSA Study
There is uncertainty regarding whether and how the subchondral bone plate should be treated during acetabular preparation for cemented cup fixation in a total hip arthroplasty . We hypothesized that removing the bone plate would improve the cement-bone interface without jeopardizing the initial cup stability , and therefore , be advantageous to long-term cup survival . We r and omized 50 patients with primary osteoarthritis into two groups , one for removal and one for retention of the subchondral bone plate .  The patients were evaluated during 2 years followup using repeated radiostereometric examinations , analyses of radiolucent lines , and clinical followups . Patient scoring was done using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index , the Short Form-12 , and the Harris hip score . Removal of the subchondral bone plate result ed in a superior cement-bone interface with less development of radiolucent lines . The radiostereometry results showed small migrations in both groups . We found no differences in cup stability between groups , although a difference was observed in rotational behavior with the removal group stabilizing in a slightly vertical position whereas the retention group showed slight but progressive rotation into a more horizontal position . No differences were found during clinical followups . Removing the subchondral bone plate , where possible , improves the cement-bone interface without jeopardizing the stability , implying better long-term cup survival . However , it is a more dem and ing surgical technique . Level of Evidence : Therapeutic study , Level I ( high quality r and omized controlled trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals ) . See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence
INTERPRETATION The guidelines have improved method ological reporting in RSA studies , but adherence to these guidelines is still relatively low .
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Guidelines for st and ardization of  radiostereometry ( RSA )  of implants were published in 2005 to facilitate comparison of outcomes between various research groups .
In this systematic review , we determined how well studies have adhered to these guidelines .