Clinical and radiological outcomes of antegrade posterior column screw fixation of the acetabulum

Accuracy of posterosuperior iliac spine reference array placement in robot-navigated spine surgery

Aims

Computer-navigated spinal instrumentation requires placement of a dynamic reference base (DRB), typically intraosseously in the ilium via a percutaneous stab incision on the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) entry point. Data describing the accuracy and complications of DRB placement are limited in the literature. The aim of this study is to measure the accuracy of DRB placement in the PSIS, determine its exact placement trajectory, and determine the prevalence of related complications.

Methods

This is a single-centre, institutional board approved, multisurgeon retrospective analysis of 69 included DRB placements from 51 robot-assisted lumbar posterior instrumentation procedures between May 2022 and April 2024. Pin entry point and trajectory were mapped out; the intraoperative O-arm CT scans and skin-to-PSIS depth were also measured, and patient demographics (age, sex, BMI), surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Of the 69 PSIS pin placements, 47 (68.1%) had the correct entry point on the PSIS, and 35 (50.7%) of them were placed correctly within the ilium without breaching a second cortex. Skin-to-PSIS depth was significantly higher in patients with misplaced DRB placement, while age, sex, and BMI were similar. Of those with misplaced DRB (n = 34), one had delayed pin site wound healing.

Conclusion

Percutaneous PSIS DRB placement has poor accuracy, with skin-to-PSIS depth being a significant factor. To avoid complications from misplaced DRB placement, the authors recommend the use of DRB placement on the iliac wing, or on the PSIS, following the trajectory used in pelvis posterior column fracture fixation, using fluoroscopy intraoperatively to ensure the DRB pin position.

Developing a core outcome set for acetabular fractures: a systematic review (part I)

BACKGROUND

There are indications that clinical studies investigating the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures assess different outcomes. This heterogeneity reduces the comparability of study results and, thus, limits the knowledge generated from research. Core outcome sets (COS) contain a minimum set of outcomes that should be measured in studies investigating a specific disease or injury. A COS for surgically treated acetabular fractures does not yet exist. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the reported outcomes in studies investigating the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

METHODS

Studies including skeletally mature individuals (≥ 16 years) with isolated acetabular fractures treated surgically were included. Studies with polytrauma patients, pathological fractures, additional pelvic fractures, exclusively non-surgical treatment, or juvenile individuals were excluded. Three databases and two clinical trial registries were searched on 15 November 2022. The identified outcomes were grouped and subsequently categorized according to the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 193 studies were included, which reported a cumulative total of 2581 outcomes. After grouping, 266 unique outcomes were identified. No outcome was examined in all studies. Pain, ability to walk independently, range of motion, quality of reduction, and heterotopic ossification were the most reported unique outcomes and assessed in at least 60% of included studies. A total of 105 outcomes were only assessed in one of the included studies. Outcomes of all five core areas and 25 outcome domains of the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy were examined. Furthermore, outcomes were named and defined differently, measured at different time points, and assessed using a variety of measurement instruments.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this systematic review shows that a wide range of outcomes are measured in studies examining surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. The results of this systematic review will be used in a subsequent study to develop the COS for surgically treated acetabular fractures by using the Delphi method.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42022357644; COMET: 2123.

Optimizing surgical management of acetabulum fractures involving both columns using buttress plating of posterior column through AIP approach

Introduction

Acetabulum fractures involving both columns are complicated injuries to treat, and achieving satisfactory post operative reduction with less extensile approaches is difficult. These injuries often require dual approaches, associated with their own share of complications. The anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) addresses both columns through a single approach, minimizing these complications. Specifically, posterior column fixation is of utmost importance. This study aims to evaluate functional outcomes and complications of posterior column fixation using medial surface buttress plate in fractures involving both columns.

Materials and methods

Between 2017 and 2024, 366 patients had fractures involving both columns, out of which 64 were operated using the AIP approach. Excluding patients with displaced posterior wall fractures, transverse fractures, delayed treatment, or aged under 18 years. Out of 64, we collected data from 60 patients, as 4 patients could not be followed up. All patients were operated using the AIP approach, and posterior column fixation was done using 3.5 mm reconstruction plates. Patients were followed for minimum 6 months-70 months, with an average of 29 months. The associations between variables and functional outcomes were examined using the Chi-Square Test or Fisher's Exact Test.

Results

The study included 60 patients, with 48.3 % under 40 years old and 51.7 % older. Males comprised 68.3 % of the cohort. 46.7 % sustained road traffic accidents and 53.3 % had fall from height. T-type fractures were most common (50.0 %), with high posterior column fractures in 66.7 % of patients. Post-operative reductions less than 1 mm were achieved in 80.0 % of patients. Functional outcomes using the Harris hip Scores were found to be excellent to good in 90.0 % of patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that medial surface buttress plating of the posterior column using the standard AIP approach can be utilised to treat even the most complex of acetabular fracture patterns involving both anterior as well as posterior columns, excluding those that contain a displaced posterior wall.

Which treatment in acetabular fractures of the elderly: Osteosynthesis, osteosynthesis-THA or orthopedic treatment? 2-years retrospective outcomes of a therapeutic algorithm

INTRODUCTION

Acetabular fractures account for 7% of osteoporotic fractures, with an epidemiological peak between 75 and 80 years of age. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of treatment of these fractures in a population aged over 65.

HYPOTHESIS

Surgical treatment would lead to better survival and functional outcomes in the management of acetabular fractures in subjects aged over 65.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients over 65 years of age treated for acetabular fracture between January 2017 and May 2020 were included in this retrospective single-center study and divided into three treatment groups: osteosynthesis, osteosynthesis-THA (Osteosynthesis-THA) and orthopedic treatment. The choice of treatment was made according to an algorithm that considered the patient's co-morbidities, autonomy and bone lesions. The primary endpoint was patient survival at 12 and 24 months' follow-up.

RESULTS

94 patients (mean age 78.5 +/-8.4 years) were included: 29 patients treated with orthopedic therapy, 46 patients with osteosynthesis and 19 patients with osteosynthesis-THA. Mean follow-up was 32.7+/-14.9 months. Mortality rates were higher in the orthopedic and osteosynthesis-THA groups (20.7% and 21.1% respectively). Patients in the orthopedic and osteosynthesis-THA groups showed excess mortality, with hazard ratios (HR) of 3.4 ([1.02; 11.3], p < 0.05) and 3.3 ([0.9; 12.3], p = 0.08) respectively, compared with those treated with osteosynthesis. Mean PMA at 2 years, mean Harris score at 2 years and Parker score were significantly higher in the operated groups. The rate of conversion to THA (THA) was higher in the orthopedic treatment group (27.6%). The complication rate was 24% (11/46) for the osteosynthesis group, 42% (8/19) for the osteosynthesis-THA group.

DISCUSSION

Applying our decision algorithm, orthopedic treatment is inferior to surgical treatment in terms of survival and functional results, with a higher re-intervention rate for THA than treatment with osteosynthesis. This study confirms the place of osteosynthesis, with higher functional scores, lower complication and revision rates, and a positive effect on mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; Retrospective cohort study.

Acetabular posterior column screws via an anterior approach

Screw fixation of acetabular column fractures is a well-established alternative option to plate fixation providing comparable biomechanical strength and requiring less surgical exposure. For displaced acetabular fractures involving both columns open reduction and plate fixation of one column in combination with a column-crossing screw fixation of the opposite column via a single approach is a viable treatment option. Preoperative planning of posterior column screws (PCS) via an anterior approach is mandatory to assess the eligibility of the fracture for this technique and to plan the entry point and the screw trajectory. The intraoperative application requires fluoroscopic guidance using several views. A single view showing an extraarticular screw position is adequate to rule out hip joint penetration. The fluoroscopic assessment of cortical perforation of the posterior column requires several oblique views such as lateral oblique views, obturator oblique views and axial views of the posterior column or alternatively intraoperative CT scans. The application of PCS via an anterior approach is a technically demanding procedure, that allows for a relevant reduction of approach-related morbidity, surgical time and blood loss by using a single approach.

Fluroscopy-assisted transiliac antegrade lag screw placement technique in both columns of acetabulum: A novel procedure

The use of pelvic osseous fixation corridors and lag screw fixation in acetabular and pelvic surgery has gained popularity, especially with the recent development of intraoperative imaging and navigation techniques. However, advanced intraoperative imaging and navigation techniques require technical equipment and are costly. Therefore, traditional fluoroscopic techniques still maintain their importance. In this article, we describe a novel pelvic osseous fixation corridor that traverses both columns of the acetabulum, along with the detailed methodology of its fluoroscopic imaging and the techniques for fluoroscopy-assisted screw placement. The technique of placing screws in this current fixation corridor is only under fluoroscopy assistance, without using any specially produced guide or navigation device. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV.

Medial surface plating of posterior column through the anterior intrapelvic approach in acetabulum fractures with involvement of both columns

Aims

Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data from R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India, from June 2018 to April 2023. Overall, there were 34 acetabulum fractures involving both columns managed by medial buttress plating of posterior column. The posterior column of the acetabular fracture was fixed through the AIP approach with buttress plate on medial surface of posterior column. Mean follow-up was 25 months (13 to 58). Accuracy of reduction and effectiveness of this technique were measured by assessing the Merle d'Aubigné score and Matta's radiological grading at one year and at latest follow-up.

Results

Immediate postoperative radiological Matta's reduction accuracy showed anatomical reduction (0 to 1 mm) in 23 cases (67.6%), satisfactory (2 to 3 mm) in nine (26.4%), and unsatisfactory (> 3 mm) in two (6%). Merle d'Aubigné score at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 18 cases (52.9%), good in 11 (32.3%), fair in three (8.8%), and poor in two (5.9%). Matta's radiological grading at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 16 cases (47%), good in nine (26.4%), six in fair (17.6%), and three in poor (8.8%). Merle d'Aubigné score at latest follow-up deteriorated by one point in some cases, but the grading remained the same; Matta's radiological grading at latest follow-up also remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Stabilization of posterior column through AIP by medial surface plate along the sciatic notch gives good stability to posterior column, and at the same time can avoid morbidity of the additional lateral window.

Study of anatomical parameters and intraoperative fluoroscopic techniques for transiliac crest anterograde lag screws fixation of the posterior column of the acetabulum

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is a lack of research investigating the feasibility of employing anterograde lag screw fixation through the iliac crest for minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of the posterior acetabular column, which encompasses retrograde and anterograde screw fixation in posterior acetabular lag screw fixation. And consequently, the purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical parameters of anterograde lag screw fixation of the posterior column of the pelvis through the iliac crest as well as to investigate the intraoperative fluoroscopy technique, to furnish a scientific rationale supporting the practical utilization of this method within clinical settings.

METHODS

In this study, pelvic CT data of 60 healthy adults, including 30 males and 30 females, were accumulated. The mimics 21.0 software was developed to reconstruct the three-dimensional pelvis model, simulate the anterograde lag screw fixation of the posterior column of the acetabulum through use of the iliac crest, and precisely identify the insertion point: Utilizing the widest iliac tubercle as the starting point, the insertion point was moved toward the anterior superior iliac spine by 1.0 cm at a time until it reached 4.0 cm. With a total of five insertion points, all oriented toward the lesser sciatic notch, the initial diameter of the virtual screw measured 5.0 mm, and it was progressively enlarged by 1.0 mm increments until reaching a final diameter of 8.0 mm. Besides, the longest lengths of virtual screws with distinct diameters at divergent entry points were measured and compared. At the same time, the intraoperative fluoroscopy technique for optimal access was analyzed.

RESULTS

The cross-section from the iliac crest to the lesser sciatic notch was irregular, with multiple curved shapes. Furthermore, the diameter of the screw was determined by the anteroposterior radians and width of the iliac crest plate, while the screw length was determined by the curvature of the square body. On the condition that the screw diameter of the D channel (3.0 cm outward from the widest part of the iliac tubercle to the lesser sciatic notch) was 5 mm, 6 mm as well as 7 mm, the longest screw lengths were (145.6 ± 12.8) mm, (143.6 ± 14.4) mm and (139.9 ± 16.6) mm, correspondingly, indicating statistically substantial distinctions from other channels (P < 0.0001). Intraoperative fluoroscopy demonstrated that the C-arm machine was tilted (60.7 ± 2.9) ° to the iliac at the entrance position and perpendicular to the D-channel at the exit position.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to use the new channel to fix the posterior column of the acetabulum with an anterograde lag screw through the iliac crest. In specific, the channel is 3.0 cm outward from the widest part of the iliac tubercle to the lesser sciatic notch. Providing a wide channel, long screw insertion, and high safety, this technique offers a novel approach for minimally invasive treatment of posterior column fractures of the acetabulum.