Navigated iliac screw placement may reduce radiation and OR time in lumbopelvic fixation of unstable complex sacral fractures

CT-based Anatomic and Clinical Analysis of Iliac Screw Placement During Spinopelvic Fixation

BACKGROUND/AIM

Iliac screws provide strong caudal anchorage for both long spinal fusions as well as short lumbopelvic fixations. However, anatomic based placement can be challenging, and complication rates are often underestimated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed 47 iliac screws being placed in 24 patients. Using postoperative computed tomography (CT), iliac screw placement was analysed with reference to anatomic landmarks. Iliac narrowings were described with regard to their relevance for iliac screw placement. Moreover, we analyzed clinical records for clinical complications. The latter were classified as intraoperative, postoperative, and radiological.

RESULTS

From starting points, described by distance to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), the average iliac screw length was 71.2±13.7 mm, and the diameter was as wide as 7.9±0.7 mm. Divergence was 30.7±12.6° (transverse plane) and caudal orientation was 34.2±13.0° (sagittal orientation). General pelvic dimensions correlated significantly with each other, and certainly with the length of implanted screws. Different adverse events and complications occurred. A total of 20% of patients were found with at least partial extracortical malpositioning. The main group of complications were postoperative with painful prominence in 20% of cases, wound infection in 8.9% and wound healing disorders in 6.7%. Further complications were radiological screw loosening (11.1%). No complications were detected in 33.3% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Optimal iliac screw size relative to the individual anatomy in general is not achieved. In most cases compared to the literature, iliac screw dimensions could be both longer and thicker. Perfect anatomic placement can be challenging, which highlights the need for individual preoperative CT-based surgical planning to achieve a strong caudal anchorage in lumbopelvic fixations. In general, the diameter seems to be more important than the screw length.

Iatrogenic nerve injury following pelvic ring injury: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pelvic ring injuries are common in multi-trauma patients and can be life-threatening, necessitating prompt surgical intervention to improve outcomes. However, surgery can lead to complications such as iatrogenic nerve injury. This network meta-analysis aimed to improve outcomes in multi-trauma patients with pelvic ring injuries by evaluating the incidence of iatrogenic nerve injuries, identifying vulnerable nerves, and comparing different fixation methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to 5 December 2023 revealed 29 comparative studies on the incidence of iatrogenic nerve injury in 1561 adult patients with pelvic ring injuries. Data were extracted on study and patient characteristics, iatrogenic nerve injury incidences, and specific nerve injuries. A random-effects model assessed treatment effects, with subgroup analysis and meta-regression. The main outcomes included odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for iatrogenic nerve injuries.

RESULTS

Compared with closed reduction internal fixation, robotic-assisted techniques had the highest, and open reduction internal fixation had the lowest ORs for iatrogenic nerve injuries. The robotic-assisted approach ranked best with an OR of 0.22 (95% CI: 0.02-2.16), while closed reduction internal fixation with the anterior approach (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.21-2.48) and open reduction internal fixation with the anterior approach performed the worst. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was injured in all open reduction internal fixation with anterior approach procedures and in 66.7% of open reduction internal fixation with posterior approach procedures. Meta-regression showed a significantly lower OR for iatrogenic nerve injuries in patients aged >41.4 years in the open reduction internal fixation with the anterior approach group (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001-0.63; P  = 0.026) compared with younger patients.

CONCLUSION

The robotic-assisted technique may result in the fewest iatrogenic nerve injuries during the treatment of pelvic ring injuries. The posterior approach may also reduce the risk of iatrogenic nerve injuries.

Historical Perspectives on the Evolution of Spino-Pelvic Fixation and its Implications on Clinical Care A Narrative Review

STUDY DESIGN

Broad narrative review.

OBJECTIVES

To review and summarize the evolution of spinopelvic fixation (SPF) and its implications on clinical care.

METHODS

A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was performed on the historical evolution of sacropelvic fixation techniques and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

RESULTS

The sacropelvic junction has been a long-standing challenge due to a combination of anatomic idiosyncrasies and very high biomechanical forces. While first approaches of fusion were determinated by many material and surgical technique-related limitations, the modern idea of stabilization of the lumbosacral junction was largely initiated by the inclusion of the ilium into lumbosacral fusion. While there is a wide spectrum of indications for SPF the chosen technique remains is defined by the individual pathology and surgeons' preference.

CONCLUSION

By a constant evolution of both instrumentation hardware and surgical technique better fusion rates paired with improved clinical results could be achieved.

Clinical and Patient-Related Outcome After Stabilization of Dorsal Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Retrospective Study Comparing Transiliac Fixator (TIFI) and Spinopelvic Fixation (SPF)

Purpose: Aim of this retrospective cohort study was the comparison of the transiliac fixator (TIFI) and spinopelvic fixation (SPF) for fixation of dorsal pelvic ring fractures in terms of clinical outcome, complications, and quality of life. Methods: Thirty-eight patients (23 men, 15 women; mean age 47 ± 19 years) with dorsal pelvic ring fractures (type-C-injuries after AO/OTA) that have been stabilized by either TIFI (group TIFI, n = 22) or SPF (group SPF, n = 16) between May 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measurements included demographic data, perioperative parameters, and complications and were obtained from the medical information system. Quality of life was assessed using the German version of the short form 36 (SF-36) and short muskuloskeletal function assessment (SMFA-D). Clinical results were assessed using Merle d'Aubigné-Score, Iowa Pelvic Score, and Majeed Pelvic Score. Results: Both groups show relatively good post-operative results, which has previously been reported. Quality of life was comparable in both groups. Group TIFI was slightly superior regarding complication rates, cutting/suture time, and fluoroscopy time. Group SPF seemed to be superior regarding pain and pelvic scores. Conclusion: None of the methods could demonstrate significant superiority over the other. Management of pelvic injuries remains a highly individual challenge adapted to the individual patients' condition. Nevertheless, if fractures allow for stabilization with TIFI, the use of this method should be taken into consideration as a less invasive and more tissue-conserving approach.