Abstract
Sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation represents an effective method to stabilise pelvic
injuries. However, to date neither reliable radiological landmarks nor effective anatomical
classifications of the sacrum exist. This study investigates the influence of variability
in sacral shape on secure transverse SI-screw positioning. Furthermore, consistent
correlations of these anatomical conditions are analysed with respect to standard
planar pelvic views.
For shape analysis, 80 human computed tomography data sets were segmented with the
software Amira 4.2 to obtain 3D reconstructions. We identified anatomical conditions
(ACs) according to the extent of the effect on the bony screw pathway. Subsequently,
the pelvis was spatially aligned using representative bone protuberances in order
to create standard Matta projections. In each view, the ACs were described in terms
of distance from bone landmarks.
Three-dimensional shape analysis revealed the height of the pedicular isthmus (PH)
as the limiting variable for secure screw insertion. The lateral and outlet views
allowed an orthogonal projection of PH. In the lateral view, the ratio of the lateral
sacral triangle framed by the S1 body height and width showed a high correlation to
PH (p= 0.0001). A boundary ratio of 1.5 represented a reliable variable to determine whether
or not a screw can be inserted (positive predictive value: 97%). In the outlet view,
the distance between the S1 endplate and the SI joint top level (EJ) strongly correlated
with PH (p= 0.0001). With EJ ≤ 0 mm, screw insertion was possible in all cases (100%).
SI-screw insertion requires a well-planned procedure. Orientation of the sacral pedicle
is of extreme relevance. A narrow sacroiliac channel and high sacral shape variability
limit secure screw placement. However, no determining parameters exist, allowing accurate
prediction of secure screw insertion based on X-rays or fluoroscopy.
The lateral sacral triangle in the lateral view represents a simple and accurate preoperative
method of support for the surgeon's decision to undertake this procedure. No additional
technical effort is necessary. A boundary ratio of 1.5 predicts a sufficient bone
stock for at least one 7.3 mm screw. Furthermore, the evaluation of the outlet projection can be used to assess
the safety of the operation. Basically, a preoperative lateral pelvic image should
be mandatory.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 15,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
