Diaphyseal giant cell tumour of mid-shaft tibia.

SummaryGiant cell tumours of bone are benign and locally aggressive tumours that usually occur in young adults and at the epiphysial locations after physeal closure. Occurrence outside of epiphysial locations and appearance in geriatric patients is rare. We report a case of a woman in her late 60s with a giant cell tumour of the mid-shaft of the right tibia. Extended curettage and biological reconstruction were performed with autologous double-barrel fibular struts and tri-cortical iliac crest bone grafting. At the 28-month follow-up examination, we noted full bony union at both ends with successful consolidation of the fibular struts, and importantly, no evidence of recurrence or other complications was observed.

Bone turnover prediction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis using shortened dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT Ki-Patlak.

This study investigated whether Ki-Patlak derived from a shortened scan time for dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis can provide predictive accuracy comparable to that obtained from a longer scan. Twenty-seven patients on chronic hemodialysis, involving a total of 42 scans between December 2021 and August 2023 were recruited. Dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT scans, lasting 60-90 min, were immediately acquired post-injection, covering the mid-twelfth thoracic vertebra to the pelvis region. Ki-Patlak analysis was performed on bone time-activity curves at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min in the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and both anterior iliac crests. Spearman's rank correlation (rs) and interclass correlation coefficient were used to assess the correlation and agreement of Ki-Patlak between shortened and standard scan times. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BsAP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) were tested for their correlation with individual Ki-Patlak. Strong correlations and good agreement were observed between Ki-Patlak values from shortened 30-min scans and longer 60-90-min scans in both lumbar spine (rs = 0.858, p < 0.001) and anterior iliac crest regions (rs = 0.850, p < 0.001). The correlation between BsAP and Ki-Patlak in the anterior iliac crests was weak and statistically insignificant. This finding suggests that a proposed shortened dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT scan is effective in assessing bone metabolic flux in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis, offering a non-invasive alternative approach for bone turnover prediction.

The Influence of Radiographic Parameter on the S2 Alar-Iliac Screw Virtual Trajectory in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients: A Computed Tomography Study.

OBJECTIVE: S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw had been widely used in the pelvic fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients. However, whether S2AI screw trajectory was influenced by sagittal profile in DLS patients had not been comprehensively investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between the optimal S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw trajectory and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in DLS patients. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of pelvis were performed in 47 DLS patients for three-dimensional reconstruction of S2AI screw trajectory from September 2019 to November 2021. Five S2AI screw trajectory parameters were measured in CT reconstruction images, including: 1) angle in the transverse plane (Tsv angle); 2) angle in the sagittal plane (Sag angle); 3) maximal screw length; 4) screw width; and 5) skin distance. The lumbar Cobb angle, lumbar apical vertebral translation (AVT); global kyphosis (GK); thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); sagittal vertical axis (SVA); sacral slope (SS); pelvic tilt (PT); and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured in standing X-ray films of the whole spine and pelvis. RESULTS: Both Tsv angle and Sag angle had significant positive associations with SS (p < 0.05) but negative associations with both PT (p < 0.05) and LL (p < 0.05) in all cases. Patients with SS less than 15° had both smaller Tsv angle and Sag angle than those with SS equal to or more than 15° (p < 0.05). The decreased LL would lead to the backward rotation of the pelvis, resulting in a more cephalic and less divergent trajectory of S2AI screw in DLS patients. CONCLUSIONS: For DLS patients with lumbar kyphosis, spine surgeons should avoid both excessive Tsv and Sag angles for S2AI screw insertion, especially when using free-hand technique.

Approaching virtual osteoid volume estimation and in-depth tissue characterization in patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) poses a significant diagnostic challenge, leading to increased disease duration and patient burden also by missing clinical suspicion. Today, diagnosis of osteomalacia relies on invasive iliac crest biopsy, if needed. Therefore, a noninvasive method would be beneficial for patients with severe osteomalacia, such as TIO, to inform their clinical management and address specific needs, like estimating the regeneration capacity at high osteoid volumes (OVs) or the potential of a hungry bone syndrome after tumor removal. Furthermore, given the lack of comprehensive histological characterization of TIO, there is a need for additional tissue characterization. Therefore, our assessment encompassed iliac crest biopsies that were examined using quantitative electron backscattered microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, micro-computed tomography, and histology to analyze the biopsy tissue. Our clinical assessment encompassed DXA and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) alongside with biochemical analyses and clinical evaluations. Combining imaging and clinical data, we established a model to predict the OV. We compared 9 TIO patients with 10 osteoporosis (OPO) patients and 10 healthy controls. Histological analyses confirmed a pronounced OV in TIO patients (OPO: 1.20% ± 1.23% vs TIO: 23.55% ± 12.23%, P < .0005), and spectroscopy revealed lower phosphate levels in TIO biopsies. By combining HR-pQCT and laboratory diagnostics, we developed a linear regression model to noninvasively predict the OV revealing significantly higher modeled OV/BVmodel values of 24.46% ± 14.22% for TIO compared to the control group (5.952% ± 3.44%, P ≤ .001). By combining laboratory diagnostics, namely, ALP and Tt.BMDRadius measured by HR-pQCT, we achieved the calculation of the virtual osteoid volume to bone volume ratio (OV/BVmodel) with a significant correlation to histology as well as reliable identification of TIO patients compared to OPO and control. This novel approach is potentially helpful for predicting OV by noninvasive techniques in diagnostic procedures and improving the clinical management of TIO.

Osteomalacia, a bone mineralization disease, results in soft bones due to a lack of calcium or phosphate. Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an acquired and challenging form of osteomalacia due to low serum phosphate levels that often lead to prolonged patient suffering. Current diagnosis of osteomalacia involves surgical bone biopsies, but a noninvasive approach would be beneficial, improving clinical management and addressing specific needs like estimating the bone's quality and ability to recover. We used advanced techniques like electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and high-resolution CT to study bone samples from 9 TIO patients. Additionally, we assessed their bone health through sophisticated imaging and blood analyses. Microscopy confirmed huge amounts of soft bone tissue due to a severe mineralization defect. By combining imaging and blood analysis, we developed a noninvasive method to predict the amount of soft tissue (osteoid) to understand soft bones without the need for surgical interventions. In conclusion, our innovative approach, combining blood diagnostics (alkaline phosphatase) with total BMD from high-resolution 3D clinical imaging of the lower arm, allows us to predict the osteoid amount virtually. This method can also compare TIO patients with controls or those with osteoporosis and might be helpful in the future.

Navigation versus fluoroscopy in minimalinvasive iliosacral screw placement.

INTRODUCTION: When needed operative treatment of sacral fractures is mostly performed with percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. The advantage of navigation in insertion of pedicle screws already could be shown by former investigations. The aim of this investigation was now to analyze which influence iliosacral screw placement guided by navigation has on duration of surgery, radiation exposure and accuracy of screw placement compared to the technique guided by fluoroscopy. METHODS: 68 Consecutive patients with sacral fractures who have been treated by iliosacral screws were inclouded. Overall, 85 screws have been implanted in these patients. Beside of demographic data the duration of surgery, duration of radiation, dose of radiation and accuracy of screw placement were analyzed. RESULTS: When iliosacral screw placement was guided by navigation instead of fluoroscopy the dose of radiation per inserted screw (155.0 cGy*cm2 vs. 469.4 cGy*cm2 p < 0.0001) as well as the duration of radiation use (84.8 s vs. 147.5 s p < 0.0001) were significantly lower. The use of navigation lead to a significant reduction of duration of surgery (39.0 min vs. 60.1 min p < 0.01). The placement of the screws showed a significantly higher accuracy when performed by navigation (0 misplaced screws vs 6 misplaced screws-p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Based on these results minimal invasive iliosacral screw placement guided by navigation seems to be a safe procedure, which leads to a reduced exposure to radiation for the patient and the surgeon, a reduced duration of surgery as well as a higher accuracy of screw placement.

Hemangioma of the Ilium Simulating Bone Metastasis on 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT.

ABSTRACT: A 64-year-old man was referred for 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT scan for initial staging of biopsy-proved prostate adenocarcinoma. 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed focal intense 18 F-PSMA-1007 of the prostate adenocarcinoma and a focal intense activity with SUV max of 10.5 in the left ilium. The 18 F-PSMA-1007-avid iliac bone lesion corresponded to a hemangioma, which was initially detected on pelvic MRI 13 months ago and remained stable in size. This case indicates that hemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of PSMA-avid iliac bone lesions.

Quantification of the Safe Zone of the First to Third Sacral Segments for Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation in Normal and Dysmorphic Sacra.

Transiliac-transsacral screw fixation is widely used to stabilize unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. Preoperative radiographic assessment of the safe osseous corridor is necessary because the safe space of sacrum is narrower for transiliac-transsacral screw placement than for traditional iliosacral screw placement. However, the radiographic assessment has rarely been studied in the Taiwanese population. We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with pelvic computed tomography images and divided them into normal and dysmorphic pelvis groups. To determine the safe osseous space, we recorded cross-section area, cross-sectional diameter of the safe zone (CS-szD), and safe zone width on axial view (Ax-szW) in the S1 to S3 segments. The prevalence of dysmorphic pelvis was 48% among all patients. In the S1 segment, no differences were found in the cross-section area and CS-szD been the two groups. However, the Ax-szW was significantly smaller in the dysmorphic pelvis group. In the S2 segment, the cross-section area, CS-szD, and Ax-szW were all significantly larger in the dysmorphic pelvis group. In the S3 segment, the cross-section area and CS-szD of the normal pelvis group were both significantly smaller. No differences were found in the Ax-szW between the two groups. Based on our findings in a Taiwanese population, S1 was the most suitable segment for transiliac-transsacral screw fixation in a normal pelvis, whereas S2, followed by S3, was most suitable in a dysmorphic pelvis. This study offers surgeons information on identifying the optimal sacral segment for transiliac-transsacral screw placement for each pelvic morphology. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(1):e13-e18.].

Specifying the Starting Point for S1 Iliosacral Screw Placement in the Dysmorphic Sacrum.

BACKGROUND: Sacral dysmorphism is not uncommon and complicates S1 iliosacral screw placement partially because of the difficulty of determining the starting point accurately on the sacral lateral view. We propose a method of specifying the starting point. METHODS: The starting point for the S1 iliosacral screw into the dysmorphic sacrum was specifically set at a point where the ossification of the S1/S2 intervertebral disc (OSID) intersected the posterior vertebral cortical line (PVCL) on the sacral lateral view, followed by guidewire manipulation and screw placement on the pelvic outlet and inlet views. Computer-simulated virtual surgical procedures based on pelvic computed tomography (CT) data on 95 dysmorphic sacra were performed to determine whether the starting point was below the iliac cortical density (ICD) and in the S1 oblique osseous corridor and to evaluate the accuracy of screw placement (with 1 screw being used, in the left hemipelvis). Surgical procedures on 17 patients were performed to verify the visibility of the OSID and PVCL, to check the location of the starting point relative to the ICD, and to validate the screw placement safety as demonstrated with postoperative CT scans. RESULTS: In the virtual surgical procedures, the starting point was consistently below the ICD and in the oblique osseous corridor in all patients and all screws were Grade 1. In the clinical surgical procedures, the OSID and PVCL were consistently visible and the starting point was always below the ICD in all patients; overall, 21 S1 iliosacral screws were placed in these 17 patients without malpositioning or iatrogenic injury. CONCLUSIONS: On the lateral view of the dysmorphic sacrum, the OSID and PVCL are visible and intersect at a point that is consistently below the ICD and in the oblique osseous corridor, and thus they can be used to identify the starting point. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Quantitative Volumetric Measurements of Bone Grafting Sites Within the Lower Extremity on Computed Tomography Scans.

The anterior iliac crest is one of the most used options; however, pain and other complications have been reported. Other options for bone harvest in the lower extremity, such as the proximal tibia and calcaneus, can be useful sites for bone grafting. Computed tomography angiography images of the lower extremity were analyzed using 3-D Slicer™ medical imaging software, creating an advanced 3-dimensional model. Bone volume (cm3) and bone mineral density (Hounsfield units) were measured from the cancellous bone in the anterior iliac crest, posterior iliac crest, proximal tibia, and the calcaneus. Fifteen studies were included. The total volume measured it was of 61.88 ± 14.15 cm3, 19.35 ± 4.16 cm3, 32.48 ± 7.49 cm3, 26.40 ± 7.18 cm3, for the proximal tibia, anterior and posterior iliac crest, and calcaneus, respectively. Regarding Hounsfield units, the densities were 116 ± 58.77, 232.4 ± 68.65, 214.4 ± 74.45, 170.5 ± 52.32, for proximal tibia, anterior and posterior iliac crest, and calcaneus. The intraclass correlation coefficients were in average >0.94. In conclusion, the proximal tibia has more cancellous bone than the anterior and posterior iliac crest. The calcaneus has more cancellous bone than the anterior iliac crest. Bone mineral density was highest in the anterior iliac crest and in proximal tibia was the lowest value.

Shedding light on rare iliac crest pain: exploring iliohypogastric nerve schwannoma using ultrasound imaging.

.

A geometric morphometric analysis of variation in Australian frog ilia and taxonomic interpretations.

Anurans including frogs and toads exhibit an ilium that is often regarded as taxonomically diagnostic. The ilium, one of the three paired bones that make up the pelvic girdle, has been important in the fossil record for identifying anuran morphotypes. Osteological collections for Australian frogs are rare in herpetological museums, and skeletonizing whole-bodied specimens requires destroying soft tissue morphology which is valuable to anuran specialists working on living species. Computed tomography scans provide the opportunity to study anuran osteology without the loss of soft tissues. Our study, based on microcomputed tomography scans of extant Australian frogs from the public repository Morphosource and from museum collections focuses on the morphological differences between Australian frogs at the familial and generic levels using geometric morphometrics to compare the diagnostic shape of the ilium. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were conducted to assess differences in the ilium between supraspecific groups of Australian frogs. The canonical variates analysis accurately predicted group membership (i.e., the correct family) with up to 76.2% success for cross-validated predictions and 100% of original group predictions. While the sample was limited to familial and generic level analyses, our research shows that ilial morphology in Australian frogs is taxonomically informative. This research provides a guide for identifying Australian anurans, including fossils, as well as new information relevant to considerations about their phylogenetic relationships, and the potential use of the fossil record to enhance efforts to conserve threatened living frog species.

Anatomic trajectory for iliac screw placement adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual than the S2 alar iliac screw: a radiological study.

PURPOSE: The iliac fixation (IF) through the S2 ala permits the minimization of implant prominence and tissue dissection. An alternative to this technique is the anatomic iliac screw fixation (AI), which considers the perpendicular axis to the narrowest width of the ileum and the width of the screw. The morphological accuracy of the iliac screw insertion of two low profile iliac fixation (IF) techniques is investigated in this study. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients operated on via low profile IF technique were divided into two groups, those treated using 28 screws with the starting point at S2, and those treated with 30 AI entry point. Radiological parameters (Tsv-angle, Sag-Angle, Max-length, sacral-distance, iliac-width, S2-midline, skin-distance, iliac-wing, and PSIS distance) and clinical outcomes (early and clinic complications) were evaluated by two blinded expert radiologists, and the results were compared in both groups with the real trajectory of the screws placed. RESULTS: Differences between ideal and real trajectories were observed in 6 of the 9 evaluated parameters in the S2AI group. In the AI group, these trajectories were similar, except for TSV-Angle, Max-length, Iliac-width, and distance to iliac-wing parameters. Moreover, compared with S2AI, AI provided better adaptation to the pelvic morphology in all parameters, except for sagittal plane angulation, skin distance, and iliac width. CONCLUSIONS: AI ensures the advantages of low profile pelvic fixation like S2AI, with a starting point in line with S1 pedicle anchors and low implant prominence, and moreover adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual.

Assessment of two entry points for S2 alar-iliac screw in a Japanese cohort using three-dimensional computed tomography scan.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbosacral fusion supplemented with sacropelvic fusion has recently been increasingly employed for correcting spinal deformity and is associated with lower incidence of pseudarthrosis and implant failure. To date, few studies have evaluated anatomical parameters and technical feasibility between different entry points for S2 alar-iliac screws. PURPOSE: To compare anatomical parameters and technical feasibility of two entry points for the S2 alar-iliac screw (S2AIS) in a Japanese cohort using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Fifteen men and 15 women aged 50-79 years who underwent pelvic CT at our hospital in 2013. OUTCOME MEASURES: Screw length, lateral angulation, caudal angulation, angle range, distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, distance from the S2AIS to the acetabular roof, distance from the S2AIS to the sciatic notch, and insertion difficulty. METHODS: We used 30 pelvic CT images (15 men and 15 women). We selected two entry points from previous studies: one was 1 mm distal and 1 mm lateral to the S1 dorsal foramen (A group) and the other was the midpoint between the S1 and S2 dorsal foramen (B group). We resliced the plane in which the pelvis was sectioned obliquely from these entry points to the anterior inferior iliac spine in the sagittal plane. We placed the shortest and longest virtual S2AISs bilaterally in this plane using a 4-mm margin. We measured screw length, lateral angulation, caudal angulation, angle range, distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, distance from the S2AIS to the acetabular roof, distance from the S2AIS to the sciatic notch, and insertion difficulty. These measurements were compared between Groups A and B. RESULTS: In group A, the angle in the sagittal plane was significantly smaller and the distance from the entry point to the sciatic notch was significantly longer than in group B. Group B demonstrated a significantly longer screw length, longer distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, and longer distance from the entry point to the acetabular roof than group A. The rate of insertion difficulty of S2AIS was much higher in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of S2AIS from the midpoint between the S1 and S2 dorsal foramen compared with the entry at distal and lateral to S1 foramen enables insertion of longer screws with low insertion difficulty.

(Smoldering) multiple myeloma: mismatch between tumor load estimated from bone marrow biopsy at iliac crest and tumor load shown by MRI.

In multiple myeloma and its precursor stages, precise quantification of tumor load is of high importance for diagnosis, risk assessment, and therapy response evaluation. Both whole-body MRI, which allows to investigate the complete bone marrow of a patient, and bone marrow biopsy, which is commonly used to assess the histologic and genetic status, are relevant methods for tumor load assessment in multiple myeloma. We report on a series of striking mismatches between the plasma cell infiltration estimating the tumor load from unguided biopsies of the bone marrow at the posterior iliac crest and the tumor load assessment from whole-body MRI.

Safe Optimal Tear Drop View for Spinopelvic Fixation Using a Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Model of the Pelvis.

Background: Spinopelvic fixation (SPF) has been a challenge for surgeons despite the advancements in instruments and surgical techniques. C-arm fluoroscopy-guided SPF is a widely used safe technique that utilizes the tear drop view. The tear drop view is an image of the corridor from the posterior superior iliac spine to the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) of the pelvis. This study aimed to define the safe optimal tear drop view using three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography images. Methods: Three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvises of 20 individuals were carried out. By rotating the reconstructed model, we simulated SPF with a cylinder representing imaginary screw. The safe optimal tear drop view was defined as the one embracing a corridor with the largest diameter with the inferior tear drop line not below the acetabular line and the lateral tear drop line medial to the AIIS. The distance between the lateral border of the tear drop and AIIS was defined as tear drop index (TDI) to estimate the degree of rotation on the plane image. Tear drop ratio (TDR), the ratio of the distance between the tear drop center and the AIIS to TDI, was also devised for more intuitive application of our simulation in a real operation. Results: All the maximum diameters and lengths were greater than 9 mm and 80 mm, respectively, which are the values of generally used screws for SPF at a TDI of 5 mm and 10 mm in both sexes. The TDRs were 3.40 ± 0.41 and 3.35 ± 0.26 in men and women, respectively, at a TDI of 5 mm. The TDRs were 2.26 ± 0.17 and 2.14 ± 0.12 in men and women, respectively, at a TDI of 10 mm. Conclusions: The safe optimal tear drop view can be obtained with a TDR of 2.5 to 3 by rounding off the measured values for intuitive application in the actual surgical field.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Approach to L5S1: Imaging Characterization of the Lower Lumbar Spine and Pelvis for Surgical Planning.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare pelvic and lumbosacral reference parameters with computed tomography in patients with low back pain (LBP) and a control group of asymptomatic patients to provide quantification data and morphological correlations for L5S1 transforaminal endoscopic approach (L5S1TEA). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 100 patients with LBP and a control group of 100 individuals, with spinopelvic computed tomography. We measured lumbopelvic and L5S1 transforaminal approach parameters: maximum approach angle (maxAA) and minimum approach angle (minAA) and skin incision (maxSI and minSI), iliac crest (IC) projection at intersection point (ICPi), distance between the projected intersection of maxAA with the ilium (ICi) and the posterior limit of the IC (ΔICi-ICpost), and distance between ICi and spinous process (ΔICi-SP). RESULTS: Females and ICPi were increased in the LBP group: maxAA: 48.38° ± 5.09°; minAA:32.5° ± 3.90°; maxSI: 11.39 ± 1.86 cm; and minSI: 8.30 ± 1.48 cm. Ilium intersection was increased in males; IC projection at the highest point (ICPh) was higher than ICPi; maxAA intersected the ilium in 28% and minAA in 1.5% of cases; ICi was positively correlated with facet angle, ICPh, and ICPi and negatively with ΔICi-SP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results set preliminary reference values for L5S1TEA surgical planning. Besides higher ICPi, there were no differences between groups in measured parameters. Traditional IC height (ICPh) does not correspond to the point of intersection of the approach and is significantly higher than ICPi. ICi correlated to higher facet angle values, ICPh and ICPi grades, and lower ΔICi-SP. Potential conflict with the ilium is increased in the male population. IC is not impeditive of L5S1TEA in most cases.

The relationship of the posterior iliac interval and the S1 screw trajectory.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical fixation is widely practised in the management of spinal deformity. S1 screws are commonly incorporated in lumbosacral fusions and can be performed in both open and percutaneous techniques. However, their entry point is determined by the position of the pedicle as well as the posterior iliac interval (PII), as it creates an impedance for screw angulation. A wider angle screw has the potential to achieve a greater length and thus strength versus a narrow screw angle insertion due to risk of anterior breach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients between July 2018 andDecember 2021 undergoing lumbo-sacral fusion with include S1 screw insertion from a single institution and surgeon. The age, screw angles, and the posterior iliac intervals were measured. RESULTS: The patients ranged from age 27 to 83 years old (mean 64.7) with a posterior iliac interval (PII) ranging from 7.76 to 12.62 cm (mean 10.24) and the average S1 screw angle on the right was 76.01 degrees (range 59.37 to 88.48) and on the left 74.37 degrees (range 59.75 to 87.47 degrees). Applying the Pearson Correlation co-efficient, a wider PII correlated with a more angulated screw entry (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As expected, a wider PPI is significantly associated with a more angulated S1 screw trajectory and may have implication on patient biomechanics in lumbo-sacral fusion constructs.

Optimal insertion positions of anterior-posterior orientation sacroiliac screw.

PURPOSE: To explore the optimal insertion positions of anterior-posterior orientation sacroiliac screw (AP-SIS). METHODS: Pelvic CT data of 80 healthy adults were employed to measure the anatomical parameters including the insertable ranges of S1 and S2, the length, width and height of the channel with three different horizontal and vertical anterior insertion points starting from the ilium-acetabular recess. To compare pelvic stability by replicating a type C Tile lesions, fifteen synthetic pelvises were fixed with an anterior plate and a posterior AP-SIS employing different anterior insertion points, the whole specimen displacements and shifts in the sacroiliac gap under a cyclic vertical load of 300 N in a biomechanical machine recorded. RESULTS: The posterior and anterior insertable ranges averaged 17.9 × 8.5mm2 and 47.1 × 21.2 mm2, respectively. The channel lengths for three horizontal anterior insertion points gradually decreased from front to back with significant difference (p < 0.05), whereas the width and height for three horizontal anterior insertion points and the parameters for the three vertical anterior insertion points were similar (p > 0.05). The displacements and shifts for three horizontal insertion points gradually increased from front to back (p < 0.05) whereas the measurements involving the three vertical insertion points were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The posterior insertable range is small, where the center between adjacent nerve roots (foramens) is the optimal posterior insertion point. The anterior insertable range is large, where the iliac-acetabular recess is the optimal anterior insertion point for S1 and S2, providing the longest channel and best stability.

Upper sacral segment fixation with converging iliosacral screws: A technical trick for preoperative planning and case series.

INTRODUCTION: There are some situations where pelvic surgeons may want to place iliosacral screws with differing trajectories (Sacroiliac and Sacral styles) but may not be able to because of overlapping trajectories. HYPOTHESIS: Sacroiliac and Sacral style screws can be placed in S1 in select patients by using a preoperative planning technique off the 3D reconstructed surface rendered preoperative CT scan. MATERIALS/METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients receiving iliosacral screws using the described technique. RESULTS: Six patients received iliosacral screws using the described technique. When the preoperative planning technique demonstrated feasibility, all screws were able to be safely placed. DISCUSSION: Placing Sacroiliac and Sacral style screws within S1 may be ideal in some injury patterns. The described technique allows pelvic surgeons facile in iliosacral screw techniques to preoperatively plan for this construct. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: VI; Retrospective case series.

Incidence, mechanism, and protective strategies for 2-year pelvic fixation failure after adult spinal deformity surgery with a minimum six-level fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, mechanism, and potential protective strategies for pelvic fixation failure (PFF) within 2 years after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. METHODS: Data for ASD patients (age ≥ 18 years, minimum of six instrumented levels) with pelvic fixation (S2-alar-iliac [S2AI] and/or iliac screws) with a minimum 2-year follow-up were consecutively collected (2015-2019). Patients with prior pelvic fixation were excluded. PFF was defined as any revision to pelvic screws, which may include broken rods across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws, pseudarthrosis across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws, a broken or loose pelvic screw, or sacral/iliac fracture. Patient information including demographic data and health history (age, sex, BMI, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, osteoporosis), operative (total instrumented levels [TIL], three-column osteotomy [3CO], interbody fusion), screw (iliac, S2AI, length, diameter), rod (diameter, kickstand), rod pattern (number crossing lumbopelvic junction, lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV] of accessory rod[s], lateral connectors, dual-headed screws), and pre- and postradiographic (lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, major Cobb angle, lumbosacral fractional curve, C7 coronal vertical axis [CVA], T1 pelvic angle, C7 sagittal vertical axis) parameters was collected. All rods across the lumbosacral junction were cobalt-chrome. All iliac and S2AI screws were closed-headed tulips. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for PFF. RESULTS: Of 253 patients (mean age 58.9 years, mean TIL 13.6, 3CO 15.8%, L5-S1 interbody 74.7%, mean pelvic screw diameter/length 8.6/87 mm), the 2-year failure rate was 4.3% (n = 11). The mechanisms of failure included broken rods across the lumbosacral junction (n = 4), pseudarthrosis across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws (n = 3), broken pelvic screw (n = 1), loose pelvic screw (n = 1), sacral/iliac fracture (n = 1), and painful/prominent pelvic screw (n = 1). A higher number of rods crossing the lumbopelvic junction (mean 3.8 no failure vs 2.9 failure, p = 0.009) and accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium (no failure 54.2% vs failure 18.2%, p = 0.003) were protective for failure. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium versus S1 (OR 0.2, p = 0.004) and number of rods crossing the lumbar to pelvis (OR 0.15, p = 0.002) were protective, while worse postoperative CVA (OR 1.5, p = 0.028) was an independent risk factor for failure. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-year PFF rate was low relative to what is reported in the literature, despite patients undergoing long fusion constructs for ASD. The number of rods crossing the lumbopelvic junction and accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium relative to S1 alone likely increase construct stiffness. Residual postoperative coronal malalignment should be avoided to reduce PFF.