Anatomical Study of Symphysis Pubis Using 3 Dimensional Computed Tomography in Koreans

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To acquire anatomical data for the normal pelvic bone structure using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) and to propose the most appropriate angle and screw length for safe screw insertion during symphysis pubis plating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 3D CT analysis in 52 patients who required plating and selected a medial and lateral insertion point between the symphysis pubis and the pubic tubercle. Using a three-dimensional medical image analysis program, we evaluated the appropriate screw length, sagittal angle, and oblique angle at each point in this cohort. RESULTS: At the medial point, the sagittal angle was determined to be 49.1degrees with an average screw length of 49.4 mm. At the lateral point, we calculated an average screw length of 49.1 mm, oblique angle of 23.2degrees, and sagittal angle of 45.7degrees. The screw length was longer in men than in women (4.6 mm and 7.3 mm, respectively) at the medial and lateral point. CONCLUSION: At the symphysis pubis diastasis, we can insert the screw caudally at 49degrees with a minimal length of 37 mm at the medial point. We can insert the screw caudally at 46degrees, medially at 23degrees, with a minimal 34 mm length at the lateral point.