Acetabular micromotion as a measure of initial implant stability in primary hip arthroplasty. An in vitro comparison of different methods of initial acetabular component fixation.

Micromotion has been shown to affect bony ingrowth into cementless components. This study was designed both to quantitate initial micromotion at the prosthesis-periacetabular bony interface and to compare different methods of commonly employed acetabular component fixations, ie, a press-fit hemispherical titanium cup, a press-fit hemispherical titanium cup with one and two dome screws, a press-fit titanium hemispherical cup with three spikes, and a cemented chromium-cobalt cup. The press-fit component without screws demonstrated the greatest motion equaling 162 microns at the ilium, 97 microns at the publis, and 54 microns at the ischium. With one and two screws placed into the dome, the mean ileal displacement decreased by 28 microns (17%) and 36 microns (22%), respectively. Dome screw placement demonstrated a minimal effect at the pubis and ischium. Compared to the press-fit component without augmentation, the tri-spike motion was less at the pubis and ischium. The cemented prosthesis provided the least amount of motion in all three areas tested. This experiment demonstrates that the ilium provides the least amount of support to immediate acetabular fixation, while the pubis (anterior column) and ischium (posterior column) provide more stability. One dome screw does not affect the stability of a hemispherical prosthetic cup significantly. A two dome screw fixation provides an added method of support at the ilium, but fails to decrease motion at the pubis or ischium significantly. The tri-spike fixation does not restrict motion at the ilium to the extent as the dome screws, but its effect at the ischium and pubis is much more pronounced. The obvious difference between initial motion seen with cemented versus uncemented components may suggest that before surgery, patients may need a period of protected weight bearing until ingrowth has occurred.     

Acetabular micromotion as a measure of initial implant stability in primary hip arthroplasty: An in vitro comparison of different methods of intial acetabular component fixation

Micromotion has been shown to affect bony ingrowth into cementless components. This study was designed both to quantitate initial micromotion at the prosthesis-periacetabular bony interface and to compare different methods of commonly employed acetabular component fixations, ie, a press-fit hemispherical titanium cup, a press-fit hemispherical titanium cup with one and two dome screws, a press-fit titanium hemispherical cup with three spikes, and a cemented chromium-cobalt cup. The press-fit component without screws demonstrated the greatest motion equaling 162 μm at the ilium, 97 μm at the pubis, and 54 μm at the ischium. With one and two screws placed into the dome, the mean ileal displacement decreased by 28 μm (17%) and 36 μm (22%), respectively. Dome screw placement demonstrated a minimal effect at the pubis and ischium. Compared to the press-fit component without augmentation, the tri-spike motion was less at the pubis and ischium. The cemented prosthesis provided the least amount of motion in all three areas tested. This experiment demonstrates that the ilium provides the least amount of support to immediate acetabular fixation, while the pubis (anterior column) and ischium (posterior column) provide more stability. One dome screw does not afect the stability of a hemispherical prosthetic cup significantly. A two dome screw fixation provides an added method of support at the ilium, but fails to decrease motion at the pubis or ischium significantly. The tri-spike fixation does not restrict motion at the ilium to the extent as the dome screws, but its effect at the ischium and pubis is much more pronounced. The obvious difference between initial motion seen with cemented versus uncemented components may suggest that before surgery, patients may need a period of protected weight bearing until ingrowth has occurred.     

计算机辅助下经髋臼长螺钉钉道参数的研究

目的 基于骨盆的解部剖结构,提出一种经髋臼长螺钉的固定方法,并测算钉道进钉区位置和进钉的方向角度.方法 使用20例成年男性半骨盆的CT数据,使用三维建模技术对半骨盆骨骼进行重建和分区,每半骨盆分成髂后区、髂前区、耻骨区和坐骨区,并对每一分区进行平行截骨获得每层断层轮廓数据;通过断层轮廓控制有效钉道的范围,并使用计算辅助程序对有效钉道的进钉点在髋臼上的位置进行测算,再对经过每个有效进钉点的所有有效钉道进行再次优化选择,最后获得相对应的最佳钉道的方向,最后将进钉区域和角度以拓扑地形图的格式显示.结果 计算结果显示半骨盆的解剖结构允许经髋臼螺钉进行加长应用,经髋臼长螺钉进钉区的范围大小依次是髂后区、髂前区、耻骨区和坐骨区,其中髂后和髂前区进钉区有部分重叠,坐骨区进钉长度无法到达坐骨支远1/3部.结论 在解剖上,改变经髋臼螺钉的植入方向,可以在骨盆的各个分区内获得加长螺钉的固定.     

Does Ischial Screw Fixation Improve Mechanical Stability in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty?

Ischial screw fixation, albeit technically challenging, is postulated to provide additional mechanical stability in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Hemipelvis specimens were prepared to simulate revision THA, and an acetabular component with supplemental screw fixation was implanted. Three configurations were tested: 2 dome screws alone, 2 dome screws plus an additional screw within the dome, and 2 dome screws plus an ischial screw. Force displacement data were acquired during mechanical testing. An increase in mechanical stability was observed in acetabular components with supplemental screw fixation into either the posterior column or ischium (P ≤ .031) compared to isolated dome fixation. In addition, supplemental ischial screw fixation may provide a modest advantage over a screw placed posteroinferiorly within the acetabular dome during revision THA.     

Radiographic evaluation of screw position in revision total hip arthroplasty

Injury to intrapelvic structures during removal of screws in revision acetabular arthroplasty is an uncommon, yet potentially serious complication. Bicortical screws are at greatest risk for causing injury during removal, especially if directed toward intrapelvic vessels and nerves. Complications can be minimized with thorough evaluation of screw position before revision surgery. A study of seven cadaveric pelves was done to determine if plain radiographic views provide useful information regarding screw position. In each pelvis, bicortical transacetabular screws were fixed in all acetabular quadrants 15 mm longer than the measured depth. Afterward, anteroposterior, inlet, Judet, and cross-table lateral radiographic views were obtained and intrapelvic dissections were done. Radiographs and intrapelvic dissections were compared to determine screw position. We found that the obturator and iliac oblique (Judet) views were most useful in defining screw position. The iliac oblique view clearly revealed screws that violated the quadrilateral surface and therefore were directed toward the obturator vessels and nerve. The obturator oblique view revealed screws that violated the anterior column and therefore were directed toward the external iliac vessels. The lateral view additionally clarified such screws by determining general anterior or posterior direction.     

骶髂关节经皮拉力螺钉固定钉道参数的解剖学测量

目的 为经S_1椎弓根水平骶髂关节拉力螺钉固定术提供应用解剖学依据.方法 2008年6月至2009年7月收集50个成人骨盆的螺旋CT扫描数据,重建骨盆三维模型,模拟经皮托力螺钉固定.测量S_1椎弓根的宽和高、骶髂关节拉力螺钉的进针点和进针方向、进针点至S_1椎体对侧前皮质和髂后上棘的距离.结果 S_1椎弓根的宽和高分别为(20.43±1.63)mm和(20.26±0.99)mm;2枚螺钉的进针点均在髂前上棘和髂后上棘的连线上方,至髂后上棘的距离分别为(49.87±6.80)mm和(51.11±7.15)mm.螺钉平行进入S_1椎弓根,与髂骨翼后外侧面垂直,与冠状面和欠状面的夹角分别为18.35°±5.20°和77.62°±3.98°.进针点到S1椎体对侧前皮质的距离分别为(76.08±4.32)mm和(77.62±3.98)mm.骶髂关节拉力螺钉的长度、S_1椎弓根的高度和宽度、进针点到髂后上棘的距离、进针点与冠状面的夹角在男女之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 正常成人在S_1椎弓根水平均町置入2枚直径为6.5 mm的拉力螺钉,钉道参数的解剖学测量为骶髂关节拉力螺钉固定手术导航模板的设计提供了理论基础.     

髋臼前柱螺钉固定解剖学研究及导向器的设计

目的为经髋臼前柱螺钉固定提供解剖学依据。方法对22只成人尸体骨盆标本,共44侧髋臼进行解剖学研究,观测髋臼前柱横断面形状,测量髋臼前柱螺钉固定在髂骨翼外侧面的进针点、进针方向、钉道直径、进针点至闭孔沟的距离。结果髋臼前柱横断面呈近似直角三角形,钉道直径10.5±0.8mm;螺钉进针点位于髂骨翼后外侧面坐骨大切迹和髂前上棘连线上方9.2±2.4mm,距坐骨大切迹38.5±3.8mm;螺钉进针方向于水平面与中心线夹角为40.7±3.8°,矢状面向尾端成角54.2±5.5°。钉道长度84.1±6.2mm。并设计出髋臼前柱螺钉固定导向器。结论髋臼前柱可接受1枚直径6.5mm、长70mm的螺钉,螺钉进针点位于髂骨翼后外侧面坐骨大切迹和髂前上棘连线上方10mm,距坐骨大切迹40mm。螺钉进针方向于水平面与中心线夹角40°,矢状面向尾端成角55°。髋臼前柱螺钉固定导向器将提高前柱螺钉固定的安全性。     

Are Quadrilateral Surface Buttress Plates Comparable to Traditional Forms of Transverse Acetabular Fracture Fixation?

Background

Several construct options exist for transverse acetabular fracture fixation. Accepted techniques use a combination of column plates and lag screws. Quadrilateral surface buttress plates have been introduced as potential fixation options, but as a result of their novelty, biomechanical data regarding their stabilizing effects are nonexistent. Therefore, we aimed to determine if this fixation method confers similar stability to traditional forms of fixation.

Questions/purposes

We biomechanically compared two acetabular fixation plates with quadrilateral surface buttressing with traditional forms of fixation using lag screws and column plates.

Methods

Thirty-five synthetic hemipelves with a transverse transtectal acetabular fracture were allocated to one of five groups: anterior column plate + posterior column lag screw, posterior column plate + anterior column lag screw, anterior and posterior column lag screws only, infrapectineal plate + anterior column plate, and suprapectineal plate alone. Specimens were loaded for 1500 cycles up to 2.5x body weight and stiffness was calculated. Thereafter, constructs were destructively loaded and failure loads were recorded.

Results

After 1500 cycles, final stiffness was not different with the numbers available between the infrapectineal (568 ± 43 N/mm) and suprapectineal groups (602 ± 87 N/mm, p = 0.988). Both quadrilateral plates were significantly stiffer than the posterior column buttress plate with supplemental lag screw fixation group (311 ± 99 N/mm, p < 0.006). No difference in stiffness was identified with the numbers available between the quadrilateral surface plating groups and the lag screw group (423 ± 219 N/mm, p > 0.223). The infrapectineal group failed at the highest loads (5.4 ± 0.6 kN) and this was significant relative to the suprapectineal (4.4 ± 0.3 kN; p = 0.023), lag screw (2.9 ± 0.8 kN; p < 0.001), and anterior buttress plate with posterior column lag screw (4.0 ± 0.6 kN; p = 0.001) groups.

Conclusions

Quadrilateral surface buttress plates spanning the posterior and anterior columns are biomechanically comparable and, in some cases, superior to traditional forms of fixation in this synthetic hemipelvis model.

Clinical Relevance

Quadrilateral surface buttress plates may present a viable alternative for the treatment of transtectal transverse acetabular fractures. Clinical studies are required to fully define the use of this new form of fixation for such fractures when accessed through the anterior intrapelvic approach.     

Use of custom triflanged acetabular components in revision total hip arthroplasty

Difficulty persists in consistently treating massive acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. A relatively new treatment option for these complex cases is a custom triflanged acetabular component created from anatomic data derived from a computed tomography scan of the pelvis. The custom triflanged acetabular component achieves fixation on the remaining ilium, ischium, and pubis with multiple fixation screws while the acetabular defect is filled with cancellous allograft bone. A retrospective review was done of 26 hips (26 patients) with massive periacetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type 3B) reconstructed with a custom triflanged acetabular component. Twenty-three of 26 patients (88.5%) were considered clinically successful at short-term followup (average, 54 months; range, 24 to 85 months), with stable fixation and reconstruction of periacetabular bone. Three failures occurred from loss of ischial fixation in two patients with a preoperative pelvic discontinuity and one patient with severe osteopenia. These devices should be used with caution in patients with a preoperative pelvic discontinuity unless additional column plating is done.     

A comparison of three screw types for unicortical fixation in the lateral mass of the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN: In vitro comparison of three different screws for unicortical fixation in lateral masses of the cervical spine. OBJECTIVES: To compare the axial load-to-failure of cervical lateral mass screws and their revision screws in a cadaveric model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lateral mass screws are used for posterior fixation of the cervical spine. Risks to neurovascular structures have led many surgeons to advocate unicortical application of these screws, although fixation strength may vary with screw design. METHODS: Screws from three posterior cervical fixation systems were used: Axis, Starlock/Cervifix, and Summit. Tested were 3.5-mm cancellous screws, along with revision screws for each system. The C3-C6 vertebrae from three cadaveric specimens were fixed with screws inserted into the lateral masses at a depth of 10 mm with 30 degrees cephalad and 20 degrees lateral angulation. Coaxial pullout force was recorded for each primary and revision screw. RESULTS: Axial load-to-failure (mean +/- SD) of the screws was 459 +/- 60 N for Axis screws, 423 +/- 78 N for Starlock screws, and 319 +/- 97 N for Summit screws. The Axis and Starlock screws were significantly stronger than Summit screws (P = 0.017 and P = 0.067, respectively). The load-to-failure of revision screws was much lower than that of primary screws (Axis 54%, Starlock 56%, Summit 63% of the primary screw), without significant difference between screw types. CONCLUSIONS: The Axis and Starlock screws resisted significantly greater axial load-to-failure than did the Summit screws. For all three systems, the revision screws could not restore the load-to-failure of the primary screw in this model. The tested unicortical screws had a consistently higher load-to-failure than those previously tested under similar conditions, suggesting that currently available screws may be superior to those previously tested.     

Mapping the columns of the acetabulum—Implications for percutaneous fixation

Knowledge of the bony thickness of the acetabular columns is one requisite for safe execution of percutaneous fixation of acetabular fractures. We performed a cadaveric study to determine anatomical dimensions of the columns of acetabulum with reference to percutaneous screw fixation. Twenty-two hemipelves (11 pairs) from 6 male and 5 female cadavers were measured and statistically analysed.In the anterior column, the psoas groove displayed the least vertical thickness of 15.1 mm (range, 12.1-18.2 mm), followed by the obturator canal with 15.9 mm (range, 12.2-20.6 mm). The mean thickness of the posterior column wall of the acetabulum along the screw path displayed 21.3 mm (range, 16.5-30.3 mm). This study provides a clinical map for safe passage of both antegrade and retrograde percutaneous screws. Anatomic data suggests that 7.3 mm cannulated screws can be safely accommodated by the anterior and posterior columns of the acetabulum.     

Computer-assisted periacetabular screw placement: Comparison of different fluoroscopy-based navigation procedures with conventional technique

The current gold standard for operatively treated acetabular fractures is open reduction and internal fixation. Fractures with minimal displacement may be stabilised by minimally invasive methods such as percutaneous periacetabular screws. However, their placement is a demanding procedure due to the complex pelvic anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of periacetabular screw placement assessing pre-defined placement corridors and comparing different fluoroscopy-based navigation procedures and the conventional technique.For each screw an individual periacetabular placement corridor was preoperatively planned using the planning software iPlan CMF^© 3.0 (BrainLAB). 210 screws (retrograde anterior column screws, retrograde posterior column screws, supraacetabular ilium screws) were placed in an artificial Synbone pelvis model (30 hemipelves) and in human cadaver specimen (30 hemipelves). 2D- and 3D-fluoroscopy-based navigation procedures were compared to the conventional technique. Insertion time and radiation exposure to specimen were also recorded. The achieved screw position was postoperatively assessed by an Iso-C^3D scan. Perforations of bony cortices or articular surfaces were analysed and the screw deviation severity (difference of the operatively achieved screw position and the preoperatively planned screw position in reference to the pre-defined corridors) was determined using image fusion.Using 3D-fluoroscopy-based navigation, the screw perforation rate (7%) was significantly lower compared to 2D-fluoroscopy-based navigation (20%). For all screws, the deviation severity was significantly lower using a 3D- compared to a 2D-fluoroscopy-based navigation and the conventional technique. Analysing the posterior column screws, the screw deviation severity was significantly lower using 3D- compared to 2D-fluoroscopy-based navigation. However, for the anterior column screw, the screw deviation severity was similar regardless of the imaging method. Despite the advantages of the 3D-fluoroscopy-based navigation, this method led to significantly longer total procedure and fluoroscopic times, and the applied radiation dose was significantly higher.Percutaneous periacetabular screw placement is demanding. Especially for posterior column screws, due to a lower perforation rate and a higher accuracy in periacetabular screw placement, 3D-fluoroscopy-based navigation procedure appears to be the method of choice for image guidance in acetabular surgery.     

Medial malleolar fractures: a biomechanical study of fixation techniques

Fracture fixation of the medial malleolus in rotationally unstable ankle fractures typically results in healing with current fixation methods. However, when failure occurs, pullout of the screws from tension, compression, and rotational forces is predictable. We sought to biomechanically test a relatively new technique of bicortical screw fixation for medial malleoli fractures. Also, the AO group recommends tension-band fixation of small avulsion type fractures of the medial malleolus that are unacceptable for screw fixation. A well-documented complication of this technique is prominent symptomatic implants and secondary surgery for implant removal. Replacing stainless steel 18-gauge wire with FiberWire suture could theoretically decrease symptomatic implants. Therefore, a second goal was to biomechanically compare these 2 tension-band constructs. Using a tibial Sawbones model, 2 bicortical screws were compared with 2 unicortical cancellous screws on a servohydraulic test frame in offset axial, transverse, and tension loading. Second, tension-band fixation using stainless steel wire was compared with FiberWire under tensile loads. Bicortical screw fixation was statistically the stiffest construct under tension loading conditions compared to unicortical screw fixation and tension-band techniques with FiberWire or stainless steel wire. In fact, unicortical screw fixation had only 10% of the stiffness as demonstrated in the bicortical technique. In a direct comparison, tension-band fixation using stainless steel wire was statistically stiffer than the FiberWire construct.     

Is there a role for percutaneous pelvic and acetabular reconstruction?

The primary goal in the treatment of pelvic fractures is the restoration of haemodynamic stability. The secondary goal is the reconstruction of stability and symmetry of the pelvic ring. Percutaneous reconstruction can only be accepted if these goals are met. The type of definitive surgery is dependent of the degree of instability of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring. Retrograde transpubic screw fixation of pubic rami fractures is a good alternative to external fixation or plate and screw osteosynthesis. The technique of screw placement and image intensifier control is explained. Internal fixation of pure sacroiliac dislocations, fracture-dislocations of the sacroiliac joint and sacral fractures can be fixed with sacroiliac screws, placed percutaneously. Reduction of the fracture or dislocation is performed closed, or open if anatomy cannot be restored in a closed manner. The primary goal in the treatment of acetabular fractures is to restore anatomy. Reduction comes before fixation. The goal of minimising approaches cannot be more important. In most cases open reduction will be necessary to achieve anatomical reconstruction. Only the experienced acetabular surgeon will be able to decide when and how he can restore anatomy through a less invasive approach or with a percutaneous procedure. The anterior column screw can be inserted through a separate incision in addition to a Kocher-Langenbeck approach. It is the same screw as the retrograde transpubic screw but placed in the opposite direction. The posterior column screw is placed percutaneously from the lateral cortex of the ilium in the direction of the posterior column. Techniques of placement of both screws are demonstrated. Open reduction and internal fixation remains the standard of care in stabilisation of pelvic and acetabular fractures. Only the experienced surgeon will be able to judge if percutaneous procedures can be an alternative or a useful additive to conventional techniques.     

S1 screw bending moment with posterior spinal instrumentation across the lumbosacral junction after unilateral iliac crest harvest

STUDY DESIGN: A biomechanical study comparing fixation across the lumbosacral junction. OBJECTIVES: To determine which long posterior construct across the lumbosacral junction produces the least bending moment on the S1 screw when only one ilium is available for fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated the benefit of anterior support and fixation into the ilium when instrumenting a long posterior construct across the lumbosacral junction. METHODS: Four L2-sacrum constructs were tested on six synthetic models of the lumbar spine and pelvis simulating that the right ilium had been harvested. Construct 1: L2-S1 bilateral screws. Construct 2: L2-S1 + left iliac bolt. Construct 3: L2-S1 + left iliac bolt + right S2 screw. Construct 4: L2-S1 + bilateral S2 screws. The four constructs were then retested with an anterior L5-S1 strut. A flexion-extension moment was applied across each construct, and the moment at the left and right S1 pedicle screw was measured with internal strain gauges. RESULTS: Iliac bolt fixation was found to significantly decrease the flexion-extension moment on the ipsilateral S1 screw by 70% and the contralateral screw by 26%. An anterior L5-S1 strut significantly decreased the S1 screw flexion-extension moment by 33%. Anterior support at L5-S1 provided no statistical decrease in the flexion-extension moment when bilateral posterior fixation beyond S1 was present with either a unilateral iliac bolt and contralateral S2 screw, or bilateral S2 screws. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant decrease in the flexion-extension moment on the S1 screw when extending long posterior constructs to either the ilium or S2 sacral screw. There is no biomechanical advantage of the iliac bolt over the S2 screw in decreasing the moment on the S1 screw in flexion and extension. Adding anterior support to long posterior constructs significantly decreases the moment on the S1 screw. Adding distal posterior fixation to either the ilium or S2 decreases the moment on S1 screws more than adding anterior support. Further, adding anterior support when bilateral distal fixation past S1 is already present does not significantly decrease the moment on the S1 screws in flexion and extension.     

骨盆髂嵴外固定架Schanz钉置钉区域的影像学研究

目的:对骨盆髂嵴外固定架Schanz钉置钉区域进行影像学研究以指导置钉.方法:将筛选出的9例成人正常骨盆的2.0 mm层厚轴向CT扫描结果导入MIMICS 10.0软件.通过后者将髂嵴外固定架Schanz钉置钉区域,即位于髂前上棘及臀中肌结节之间的、髋臼之上的髋臼前柱的高位部分,进行真正矢状面及冠状面重建.然后应用该软件的测量工具于重建面上进行测量,最后对测量结果进行分析.结果:位于髂前上棘前缘后方16.5 mm宽度为49.6 mm的髂嵴节段可用作定位髂嵴外固定架Schanz钉的进钉点.该节段髂嵴所覆盖骨质相对丰厚及纵深,可完全容纳直径为5.0 mm的Schanz钉,并可经髂嵴将该直径的螺钉最浅打入71.7 mm至髋臼顶及最深打入143.5 mm至髋臼后方相对致密的骨质.结论:本研究结果可用于指导髂嵴外固定Schanz钉的置入,于上述进钉点区域将Schanz钉朝向髋臼或其后方打入臼顶或臼后相对致密的骨质以获得较好的把持力从而增强固定效果.     

Percutaneous fixation of acetabular fractures: computer-assisted determination of safe zones, angles and lengths for screw insertion

Introduction

Percutaneous retrograde screw fixation for acetabular fractures is a demanding procedure due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis and the varying narrow safe bony corridors. Limited information is available on optimal screw placement and the geometry of safe zones for screw insertion in the pelvis.

Methods

Three-dimensional reconstructions of 50 consecutive CT scans of polytrauma patients (35 males, 15 females) were used to introduce three virtual CAD bolts (representing screws) into the anterior column (superior ramus of the pubic bone), posterior column (the ischial bone) and the supraacetabular region, as performed during percutaneous screw fixation. The three-dimensional (3D) position of these screws was evaluated with a computer software (MIMICS) after virtual optimal insertion. The 3D position, the narrowest zone and the distance to the hip joint of the two columns and the supraacetabular region were defined.

Results

The mean maximal screw length for the three virtual screws measured between 107.4 and 148?±?18.7?mm. The narrowest zone of the pelvic bone (superior pubic ramus) had a width of 9.2?±?2.4?mm. The average distances between the bolts and the hip joint were 3.9 and 19.4?±?7.4?mm. For the anterior column (superior pubic ramus) screw, the mean lateral angle to the sagittal midline plane was 39.0?±?3.2° and the mean posterior angle to the transversal midline plane was 15.1?±?4.0°. The mean supraacetabular screw angles measured 22.4?±?3.4° (medial), 35.3?±?4.6° (cranial) and the mean angles for the ischial screw were 12.0?±?5.4° (posterior) and 18.4?±?4.0° (lateral).

Conclusions

The zones for safe screw positioning are very narrow, making percutaneous screw fixation of the acetabulum a challenging procedure. The predefined angles for the most frequently positioned percutaneous screws may aid in preoperative planning, decrease operative and radiation times and help to increase safe insertion of screws.     

经骶髂关节置入骶1椎弓根螺钉的解剖学和影像学测量

目的:通过S1椎弓根的解剖学和影像学测量,探讨经骶髂关节置入S1椎弓根螺钉的可行性。方法:测量16具尸体骨盆标本双侧S1椎弓根前后缘的高度、深度(S1椎弓根最狭窄处的宽度)、骶翼深度、骶翼高度。测量骨盆出口位X线片上S1椎弓根的高度,并与解剖学测量结果比较。在轴位CT上测量髂骨后缘到骶翼、S1椎弓根、S1椎弓根纵轴的距离、髂骨外板与骶椎前缘皮质的距离。观察S1椎弓根矢状切面,评估置入2枚经S1椎弓根骶髂螺钉的安全区。结果:S1椎弓根前、后缘的高度平均为30.2mm和26.1mm,椎弓根深度和骶翼深度平均为27.8mm和45.8mm,骶翼后部平均高度为28.7mm。骨盆出口位X线片上S1椎弓根的平均高度是20mm,小于解剖学测量结果(P<0.0001)。轴位CT上,S1椎弓根纵轴在髂骨外板投影点到髂骨后缘的距离平均为32.5mm,到坐骨大切迹最高点的距离平均为38.6mm,髂骨外板到S1椎体前缘皮质的距离平均为105.2mm。结论:置入1枚S1椎弓根螺钉是安全的,常规置入2枚椎弓根螺钉可能较困难。     

Fixation of diaphyseal fractures with a segmental defect: a biomechanical comparison of locked and conventional plating techniques

BACKGROUND: Locking plates are an alternative to conventional compression plate fixation for diaphyseal fractures. The objective of this study was to compare the stability of various plating with locked screw constructs to conventional nonlocked screws for fixation of a comminuted diaphyseal fracture model using a uniform, synthetic ulna. Locked screw construct variables were the use of unicortical or bicortical screws, and increasing bone to plate distance. METHODS: This biomechanical study compared various construct groups after cyclic axial loading and three-point bending. Results were analyzed via one-way analysis of variance. Displacements after cyclical axial loading and number of cycles to failure in cyclic bending were used to assess construct stability. RESULTS: The constructs fixed by plates with bicortical locked screws withstood significantly more cycles to failure than the other constructs (p < 0.001). Significantly less displacement occurred after axial loading with bicortical locked screws than with bicortical nonlocked screws. Increased distance of the plate from the bone surface, and use of unicortical locked screws led to early failure with cyclic loading for constructs with locked screws. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of plating with bicortical locked screws as an alternative to conventional plating for comminuted diaphyseal fractures in osteoporotic bone. Bicortical locked screws with minimal displacement from the bone surface provide the most stable construct in the tested synthetic comminuted diaphyseal fracture model. The results of this study suggest use of plates with unicortical screws for the described fracture is not recommended.     

Biomechanical comparison of the pullout strengths of C1 lateral mass screws and C1 posterior arch screws

Background contextConditions of the atlantoaxial complex requiring internal stabilization can result from trauma, malignancy, inflammatory diseases, and congenital malformation. Several techniques have been used for stabilization and fusion. Posterior wiring is biomechanically inferior to screw fixation. C1 lateral mass screws and C1 posterior arch screws are used for instrumentation of the atlas. Previous studies have shown that unicortical C1 lateral mass screws are biomechanically stable for fixation. No study has evaluated the biomechanical stability of C1 posterior arch screws or compared the two techniques.PurposeThe purpose of the study was to assess the differences in the pullout strength between C1 lateral mass screws and C1 posterior arch screws.Study designBiomechanical testing of pullout strengths of the two atlantal screw fixation techniques.MethodsThirteen fresh human cadaveric C1 vertebrae were harvested, stripped of soft tissues, evaluated with computed tomography for anomalies, and instrumented with unicortical C1 lateral mass screws on one side and unicortical C1 posterior arch screws on the other. Screw placement was confirmed with postinstrumentation fluoroscopy. Specimens were divided in the sagittal plane and potted in polymethylmethacrylate. Axial load to failure was applied with a material testing device. Load displacement curves were obtained, and the results were compared with Student t test. DePuy Spine, Inc. (Raynham, MA, USA) provided the hardware used in this study.ResultsMean pullout strength of the C1 lateral mass screws was 821 N (range 387?1,645 N±standard deviation [SD] 364). Mean pullout strength of the posterior arch screws was 1,403 N (range 483?2,200 N±SD 609 N). The difference was significant (p=.009). Five samples (38%) in the posterior arch group experienced bone failure before screw pullout.ConclusionsBoth unicortical lateral mass screws and unicortical posterior arch screws are viable options for fixation in the atlas. Unicortical posterior arch screws have superior resistance to pullout via axial load compared with unicortical lateral mass screws in the atlas.