Pros and Cons of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

This paper reviews current knowledge on minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Although it has significant advantages, such as less postoperative pain, short hospital stay, quick return to work, better cosmetics, and less infection rate, there are also disadvantages. The long learning curve, the need for special instruments and types of equipment, high costs, lack of tactile sensation and biplanar imaging, some complications that are hard to treat, and more radiation to the surgeon and surgical team are the disadvantages.Most studies remark that the outcomes of MISS are similar to traditional surgery. Although patients demand it more than surgeons, we predict the broad applications of MISS will replace most of our classical surgical approaches.

Surgical complications after fixation of minimally displaced lateral compression type 1 pelvic ring injuries.

PURPOSE: To review surgical complications after fixation of stress-positive minimally displaced (< 1 cm) lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study at a level one trauma center identified patients who received surgical fixation of isolated LC1 pelvic ring injuries. Surgical complications and additional procedures were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. The median age was 61 years (Interquartile range 40-70), 65% (n = 39) were women, and 57% (n = 34) had high-energy mechanisms. Anterior-posterior, posterior-only, and anterior-only fixation constructs were used in 77% (n = 46), 15% (n = 9), and 8% (n = 5) of patients. Anterior fixation was performed with rami screw fixation in 82% (49/60), external fixation in 2% (1/60), and open reduction and plate fixation in 2% (1/60). There were 15 surgical complications in 23% (14/60), and 12 additional procedures in 17% (10/60). Complications included loss of reduction ≥ 1 cm (8%), symptomatic hematomas (8%), symptomatic backout of unicortical retrograde rami screws (5%), deep infection of the pelvic space after a retrograde rami screw (1.6%), and iatrogenic L5 nerve injury (1.6%). All losses of reduction involved geriatric females with distal rami fractures sustained in ground-level falls. Loss of reduction was found to be more likely in patients with low energy mechanisms (proportional difference (PD) 62%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18% to 76%; p = 0.01) and 2 versus 1 posterior pelvic screws (PD 36%; CI 0.4% to 75%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complications and additional procedures routinely occurred after fixation of LC1 injuries. Patients should be appropriately counseled on the risks of surgical fixation of these controversial injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level III.

3D simulation of percutaneous sustentaculum tali screw insertion in calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. RESULTS: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw.

Intramedullary Screw Fixation Versus Traditional Plating for Distal Fibula Fractures.

The traditional method of treating fibular fractures in unstable ankle injuries involves open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. Less invasive percutaneous fixation techniques with intramedullary fibular screws have been utilized for many years to reduce wound and implant complications while maintaining a stable ankle mortise. However, there have been no direct case-control studies comparing percutaneous intramedullary fibular screw fixation to the traditional open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In our study, we compared radiographic and clinical outcomes for unstable ankle fractures in which the fibula fracture was treated with either a percutaneous intramedullary screw or by open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. We retrospectively reviewed 69 consecutive patients from 2011 to 2019 with unstable ankle fractures treated with intramedullary fibular screws and compared them to 216 case-control patients treated with traditional plate and screw construct over the same time period. The average follow-up for the intramedullary screw group was 11.5 months and 15.2 months for the plate and screw group. We collected general demographic data, measured intraoperative and final follow-up talocrural angles, Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade, union rates, implant removal rates, infection rates, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores. The intramedullary screw group had a statistically significant lower rate of delayed implant removal (8.7% vs 23.6%) and there was no detectable difference in other measures.

Surgical management of slightly or non-displaced corporal scaphoid fractures by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation through the anterior trapezium horn: A single-center retrospective French study of 33 patients between January 2015 and January 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous screw fixation has recently gained popularity as an alternative to conservative treatment to avoid prolonged immobilization. The placement of a screw in the central axis of the scaphoid has been shown to be biomechanically superior to its eccentricity. Still, it poses difficulties in performing percutaneous screw fixation via both palmar and dorsal approaches. OBJECTIVE: We describe a palmar percutaneous screwing of corporal fractures of the scaphoid by a simple palmar transtrapezial approach allowing an optimal centering of the screw. METHOD: We selected patients operated on by the same surgeon using the palmar transtrapezial approach between January 2015 and January 2019 based on the coding used for these fractures and the operative reports. In addition, pre- and postoperative data were collected from the patient's computer and paper records and by telephone contact with the patients. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. Percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid was performed under locoregional anesthesia in the operating room with one arm in the supine position on the arm table. No hyper-extension of the wrist was performed. The Kirchner guidewire passed through the anterior horn of the trapezium and then into the trapezium-scaphoid joint. A screw replaced it after satisfactory centering in the axis of the scaphoid. Management took place on average within 12 days after the trauma. 75.8% were A2 fractures, according to Herbert's classification. The average operating time was 16.63minutes, and in 91% of the cases, the patient was hospitalized for one day. The variation of the scapholunate angle on the preoperative profile radiographs with the angle defined by the axis of the scaphoid screw and the lunate postoperatively was on average 2.94°. One patient presented nonunion, and four showed an undersized screw with a screw overhang requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The transtrapezial approach to fixation of acute scaphoid fractures facilitates precise percutaneous screw placement in the central axis of the scaphoid. A study of long-term complications, including the degenerative impact on the scaphotrapezial joint, is needed to assess the safety of passage through the anterior horn of the trapezium.

A retrospective study about functional outcome and quality of life after surgical fixation of insufficiency pelvic ring injuries.

BACKGROUND: Fragility fractures without significant trauma of the pelvic ring in older patients were often treated conservatively. An alternative treatment is surgery involving percutaneous screw fixation to stabilize the posterior pelvic ring. This surgical treatment enables patients to be mobilized quickly and complications associated with bedrest and temporary immobility are reduced. However, the functional outcome following surgery and quality of life of the patients have not yet been investigated. Here, we present a comprehensive study addressing the long-term well-being and the quality of life of patients with fragility pelvic ring fractures after surgical treatment. METHODS: Between 2011-2019, 215 geriatric patients with pelvic ring fractures were surgically treated at the university hospital in Göttingen (Germany). Of these, 94 patients had fragility fractures for which complete sets of computer tomography (CT) and radiological images were available. Fractures were classified according to Tile and according to the FFP classification of Rommens and Hofmann. The functional outcome of surgical treatment was evaluated using the Majeed pelvic score and the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Thirty five tile type C and 48 type B classified patients were included in the study. After surgery eighty-three patients scored in average 85.92 points (± 23.39) of a maximum of 100 points using the Majeed score questionnaire and a mean of 1.60 points on the numerical rating scale ranging between 0 and 10 points where 0 points refers to "no pain" and 10 means "strongest pain". Also, the SF-36 survey shows that surgical treatment positively effects patients with respect to their general health status and by restoring vitality, reducing bodily pain and an increase of their general mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received a percutaneous screw fixation of fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring reported an overall positive outcome concerning their long-term well-being. In particular, older patients appear to benefit from surgical treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Functional outcome and quality of life after surgical treatment of fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring, DRKS00024768. Registered 8th March 2021 - Retrospectively registered. Trial registration number DRKS00024768 .

Biportal endoscopic debridement and percutaneous screw fixation technique for spinal tuberculosis: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Biportal endoscopy and percutaneous screw fixation are promising techniques that can be applied to treat various degenerative spinal diseases. However, these techniques for spinal tuberculosis have not been reported. METHOD: Using the biportal endoscopic technique, bilateral decompression, tissue biopsy, and granulation tissue removal were performed using the screw insertion site. Using the percutaneous fixation screw technique, posterior stabilization and sagittal angle restoration were achieved. Paraplegia and radiating pain improved neurologically. Kyphosis was radiologically restored. Spinal tuberculosis (Potts's disease) was histopathologically diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive endoscopic and percutaneous screw technique can aid the diagnosis and treatment of spinal tuberculosis.

Fracture reduction and screw position after 3D-navigated and conventional fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous management of acetabular fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Navigational techniques in orthopaedic trauma surgery have developed over the last years leaving the question of really improving quality of treatment. Especially in marginal surgical indications, their benefit has to be evident. The aim of this study was to compare reduction and screw position following 3D-navigated and conventional percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures. The study hypothesis postulated that better fracture reduction and better screw position are obtained with 3D navigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative CT scans of 37 acetabular fractures treated by percutaneous screw fixation (24 3D-navigated, 13 conventional) were evaluated. Differences in pre- and postoperative fracture gaps and steps were compared in all reconstructions as well as the screw position relative to the joint and the fracture. RESULTS: The differences in fracture gaps and fracture steps with and without 3D navigation were not significantly different. Distance of the screw from the joint line, angle difference between screw and ideal angle relative to the fracture line, length of the possible corridor used and position of the screw thread did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Comparison of 3D-navigated and conventional percutaneous surgery of acetabular fractures on the basis of pre- and postoperative CTs revealed no significant differences in terms of fracture reduction and screw position.

Interdigitating percutaneous screw fixation for Rommens type IIIa fragility fractures of the pelvis: technical notes and preliminary clinical results.

PURPOSE: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs) type IIIa in the Rommens classification include unilateral iliac fractures as well as pubic rami fractures. We devised a new, less-invasive fixation technique to achieve increased stability for FFPs type IIIa. The aim of this study was to describe this procedure and report the preliminary clinical results. METHODS: A total of 14 geriatric patients (> 60 years old) who sustained FFP type IIIa caused by low-energy trauma were surgically treated with interdigitating screw fixation including a trans-pubic screw in a retrograde manner and two trans-iliac screws from the anterior inferior iliac spine toward the posterior inferior iliac spine. All iliac fractures were displaced with external rotation, and closed reduction was performed. Percutaneous screw fixation, in which fully threaded screws were in contact with each other, provided stable fixation allowing early mobilization. RESULTS: A median decrease in pain levels by post-operative day two was 4.5 compared with pre-operatively using a numerical rating scale. While full weight-bearing was allowed from four weeks post-operatively in the initial five patients, immediate full weight-bearing was instructed as tolerated for the subsequent nine patients. No complications were encountered during the peri-operative period. At the final follow-up, all fractures were united without fixation loss, screw dislodgment, or hardware failure. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure of closed reduction and interdigitating screw fixation for FFP type IIIa appears to represent a safe, reliable technique. Our experience suggests that interdigitating fixation for FFP type IIIa is effective for relieving pain and promoting early mobilization in elderly patients.

Morphometric analysis of the anterior column of the acetabulum and safety of intramedullary screw fixation for its fractures in Indian population: a preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Morphometric variations of the anterior column of the acetabulum have been described in the literature for its complex structure, which can influence the safe containment of intramedullary screw for fixation of its fractures. The purpose of this CT-based study is to present a preliminary report on the morphometric variations and safety of intramedullary screw fixation of the anterior column of the acetabulum in the Indian population. METHODS: CT-based data from 102 uninjured pelves were retrospectively analyzed in iPlanⓇ BrainLab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany. Narrowest zones around acetabulum and superior pubic ramus were measured. We calculated the axis of the anterior column of the acetabulum by joining the centres of these narrowest zones. Standard screws trajectories were directed along this axis. Screw length up to the first cortical perforation, the distance of the exit point from the pubic symphysis, and the length of the anterior column up to the pubic tubercle were measured. RESULTS: The osseous corridor of the anterior column of acetabulum had variable cross-section along its length with two constriction zones, first in the acetabular region and second in the superior pubic ramus. Only 54% of our cases allowed safe applicability of 6.5-mm-diameter screw trajectories with safety margin of 2 mm on either side of the screw. Significant morphometric and screw applicability-related differences were observed among male and female cases with males having a wider osseous corridor in general. Elimination of safety margin results in a significant increase in the screw applicability. CONCLUSION: The osseous corridor of the anterior column varies in its dimensions from individual to individual. Standard screws of 6.5-mm and 7.3-mm diameters may not be safe for intramedullary screw fixation in every patient and carry a risk of cortical violation when a 2 mm of width around the screw is considered as a safety margin. However, with a precise screw placement within the extents of the cortices of the anterior column, 6.5-mm screws can be applied in most of the female cases and 7.3-mm screws can be applied in most of the male cases for anterior column fixation.

Percutaneous Reduction and 2.7-mm Cortical Screw Fixation for Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries.

To use the advantages of transarticular screw fixation while minimizing iatrogenic involved joint damage and screw irritation, it is important to determine the screw size. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of percutaneous reduction and 2.7-mm cortical screw fixation for low-energy Lisfranc injuries and determine whether the procedure is a safe alternative to traditional screw fixation using a larger screw size. A review was performed for all patients who underwent percutaneous reduction and 2.7-mm cortical screw fixation for low-energy Lisfranc injuries at a single institution over a 6-year period. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically for demographics, foot function index (FFI), numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Factors affecting screw breakage and its clinical relevance were also analyzed. The FFI and NRS for pain were 17.2 ± 14.7 (range 0.8 to 57.8) and 3.1 ± 2.3 (range 0 to 8) points, respectively, at the 12-month follow-up visit. One patient (3.2%) underwent arthrodesis for the development of posttraumatic arthritis; all other patients recovered without sequelae. Screw breakage was identified in 7 patients (22.6%). There was no significant difference between patients with and without screw breakage in terms of FFI, NRS for pain, patient satisfaction, or complication rate. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients with screw breakage than in those without screw breakage. Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between BMI and screw breakage (area under the curve = 90%, p < .001), and the potential BMI cutoff value was 27.8 kg/m2. After considering the incidence of screw breakage, percutaneous reduction and 2.7-mm cortical screw fixation can be a viable option for treating low-energy Lisfranc injuries in nonobese patients, especially those with BMI <27.8 kg/m2.

Percutaneous arthroscopic calcaneal osteosynthesis for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: Systematic review and surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the available literature on technique and outcomes of percutaneous arthroscopic calcaneal osteosynthesis for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature available in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library database was performed, including studies from January 1985 to august 2018. The literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. The surgical technique and perioperative management, clinical outcomes scores, radiographic outcomes and complication rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 66 reviewed articles, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies reported on the results of 152 patients. At last follow up the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot was ranging from 72.1 to 94.1. The complication rate was low, including only one superficial infection. CONCLUSIONS: The studies included were of too little level of evidence to allow for data pooling or meta-analysis. However, the percutaneous arthroscopic calcaneal osteosynthesis seems to be a good option for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a low complication rate. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials with long-term follow up are needed to confirm the efficacy of this technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

Sequential fluoroscopic rollover images reliably identify "in-out-in" posterosuperior screws during percutaneous fixation of femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous screws placed into the posterosuperior femoral neck are frequently extraosseous or "in-out-in" (IOI). These IOI screws are not readily identifiable on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral fluoroscopic images. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of surgeons to identify IOI guide pins using sequential fluoroscopic rollover images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3.2-mm guide pin was placed into the posterosuperior quadrant of eleven synthetic femur models. Five samples were "all-in" (AI), and six were IOI. Sequential fluoroscopic rollover images were obtained starting with an AP image, then images at 10-degree rollover intervals ending with a direct lateral image. Images were reviewed in a blinded fashion by five attending orthopedic trauma surgeons and 20 resident surgeons to determine whether guide pins were AI or IOI. Accuracy, interobserver reliability, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of responses was 86% with no difference between attending trauma surgeons and residents (p = 0.5). The sensitivity and specificity for an IOI guide pin were 98.0% and 71.2%, respectively. Interobserver reliability among surgeons was good (κ = 0.703). CONCLUSION: The use of the sequential fluoroscopic rollover images after placement of the posterosuperior guide pin into the femoral neck was highly sensitive for detecting an IOI position. The 40-degree rollover image was the best view to evaluate the proximity of the guide pin to the posterior cortex.

Characteristics of anterior inferior calcaneal cortex.

BACKGROUND: Minimal invasive surgery of calcaneal fracture provided satisfactory outcomes. In tongue type calcaneal fracture, percutaneous screw usually purchases in anterior inferior calcaneal cortex. However, there was no detail about the cortex of anterior inferior calcaneus so the surface anatomy and cortical thickness of this area were studied. METHODS: 88 calcaneus from embalmed cadavers were enrolled. Anterior part of the inferior cortex was identified. Surface anatomy was examined. Length, anterior and posterior widths were measured. Anterior inferior calcaneal cortex was divided into anterior, middle and posterior segments. The cortical thickness at middle, medial most and lateral most of 3 segments were measured. RESULTS: Anterior inferior calcaneal cortex was a long trapezoidal shape with well-defined borders as a dense and thick cortical bone, convex relief from medial and lateral walls. Mean(SD) length was 33.40(3.46) millimeters (mm). Median(min,max) of anterior and posterior width were 10.50(8.21,19.26) mm and 14.00(10.05,20.42) mm, respectively. Mean(SD) of middle cortical thickness of anterior and middle segment were 3.12(0.76) and 3.72(0.74). Median(min,max) middle cortical thickness of posterior segment was 3.13(1.62,6.51) mm. Whereas, of the medial most were 1.31(0.78,3.11), 1.31(0.90,2.57) and 1.26(0.85,2.61) mm and of the lateral most were 1.17(0.67,2.64), 1.38(0.80,2.55) and 1.31(0.84,2.61) mm, respectively. Inter-intraobserver reliabilities of the measurements were >0.79. The statistical analysis showed the middle cortex is significantly the thickest (P<0.001) and posterior width is significant wider than the anterior (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior inferior calcaneal cortex has special characteristics in term of surface anatomy, width and thickness. For the percutaneous screw insertion from posterosuperior to anterior inferior calcaneus in tongue type calcaneal fracture, we recommend that screw should purchase in middle cortex due to maximal cortical thickness as well as its cortical width could accept 6.5 or 7.0mm screw without screw extrusion.

CT-guided percutaneous screw fixation plus cementoplasty in the treatment of painful bone metastases with fractures or a high risk of pathological fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous screw fixation plus cementoplasty (PSFPC), for either treatment of painful metastatic fractures or prevention of pathological fractures, in patients who are not candidates for surgical stabilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with 34 metastatic bone lesions underwent CT-guided PSFPC. Bone metastases were located in the vertebral column, femur, and pelvis. The primary end point was the evaluation of feasibility and complications of the procedure, in addition to the length of hospital stay. Pain severity was estimated before treatment and 1 and 6 months after the procedure using the visual analog scale (VAS). Functional outcome was assessed by improved patient walking ability. RESULTS: All sessions were completed and well tolerated. There were no complications related to either incorrect positioning of the screws during bone fixation or leakage of cement. All patients were able to walk within 6 h after the procedure and the average length of hospital stay was 2 days. The mean VAS score decreased from 7.1 (range, 4-9) before treatment to 1.6 (range, 0-6), 1 month after treatment, and to 1.4 (range 0-6) 6 months after treatment. Neither loosening of the screws nor additional bone fractures occurred during a median follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PSFPC might be a safe and effective procedure that allows the stabilization of the fracture and the prevention of pathological fractures with significant pain relief and good recovery of walking ability, although further studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience.

Percutaneous screw fixation of unstable ankle fractures in patients with poor soft tissues and significant co-morbidities.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a minimally invasive technique to stabilise unstable ankle fractures by inserting a 100mm screw up the fibula medullary canal along with percutaneous screw fixation of the medial malleolus if required. This technique is utilised in patients with poor soft tissues and significant co-morbidities where the fracture cannot be adequately controlled by a cast alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 23 patients the average age being 70 years (29-89) and 74% had significant co-morbidities. Postoperative radiographs were examined for adequacy of reduction using the method described by Mclenna and Ungersma. Patient based functional and health questionnaires were performed, reviewed and scored. RESULTS: Six patients were lost during the follow-up period due to death caused by issues unrelated to the ankle fracture. There were no reported intraoperative complications, no postoperative wound infections and no non-unions. There was two complications one loss of fixation, and another required removal of the screw due to irritation. Radiographic reduction was good in 52%, fair in 44% and poor in 4%. Patient questionnaire results were 70 (20-100) for the Abbreviated Olerud and Molander score and the SF-12 physical component score was 42 and mental component was 44. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate patient selection percutaneous screw fixation is an excellent technique supplementing cast immobilisation of unstable ankle fractures with poor soft tissues.

Carpal scaphoid non-union treatment: a retrospective trial comparing simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation versus percutaneous screw fixation plus pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective comparative study was to assess whether a complementary treatment by pulsed electromagnetic field could increase the bone-healing rate of scaphoid non-union without SNAC (scaphoid non-union advanced collapse) treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: Eighteen patients with scaphoid non-union were included in this retrospective study. The group 1 was made of nine cases (seven stage IIA and two stage IIB) of scaphoid non-union treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation and pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®). The group 2 was made of nine cases (six stage IIA and three stage IIB) treated by simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. RESULTS: With a 10-month follow-up in group 1 and a 9.5-month follow-up in group 2, there were three cases of non-union in group 1 and two cases in group 2. Regarding the type of non-union, there was one case among the stage IIB and four cases among the stage IIA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study did not show any interest in the use of pulsed electromagnetic field for the treatment of carpal scaphoid non-union. They should be dropped. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Gun barrel view of the anterior pelvic ring for percutaneous anterior column or superior pubic ramus screw placement.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, operative fixation of pelvic and acetabular injuries involves complex approaches and significant complications. Accelerated rehabilitation, decreased soft tissue stripping and decreased wound complications are several benefits driving a recent interest in percutaneous fixation. We describe a new fluoroscopic view to guide the placement of screws within the anterior pelvic ring. METHODS: Twenty retrograde anterior pelvic ring screws were percutaneously placed in ten cadaveric specimens. Arranging a standard C-arm in a position similar to obtaining a lateral hip image, with angles of 54° ± 2° beam to body, 75° ± 5° of reverse cantilever and 14° ± 6° of outlet, a gun barrel view of the anterior pelvic ring is identified. Fluoroscopic images were taken, and the hemipelvi were harvested to examine the dimensions of the anterior pelvic ring and inspected for any cortical or articular perforation. RESULTS: The minimum cranial-to-caudal distance in the anterior pelvic ring was 9 mm (range 6.5-12 mm), and the minimum anterior-to-posterior dimension was 9 mm (range 5-15 mm). All but 2 screws were completely confined within the osseous corridors. Identifiable on final fluoroscopic evaluation, one screw perforated the psoas groove and a second perforated the acetabular dome. Overall, 90 % of our screws were accurately and safely placed, upon the first attempt, within the anterior pelvic ring using the described gun barrel view. CONCLUSION: Employing either open reduction, or following a closed or percutaneous reduction, the anterior pelvic ring gun barrel view can reproducibly guide safe placement of anterior pelvic ring screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Anatomical considerations for percutaneous trans ilio-sacroiliac S1 and S2 screw placement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of a consistent osseous corridor through S1 and S2 and fluoroscopic landmarks thereof, which could be used for safe trans ilio-sacroiliac screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomography (CT) based anatomical investigation utilising multiplanar image and trajectory reconstruction (Agfa-IMPAX Version 5.2 software). Determination of the presence and dimension of a continuous osseous corridor in the coronal plane of the sacrum at the S1 and S2 vertebral levels. OUTCOME MEASURES: Determination of: (a) the presence of an osseous corridor in the coronal plane through S1 and S2 in males and females; (b) the dimension of the corridor with regard to diameter and length; (c) the fluoroscopic landmarks of the corridor. RESULTS: The mean cross-sectional area for S1 corridors in males and females was 2.13 and 1.47 cm(2) , respectively. The mean cross-sectional area for the S2 corridor in males and females was 1.46 and 1.13 cm(2), respectively. The limiting anatomical factor is the sagittal diameter of the sacral ala at the junction to the vertebral body. The centre of the S1 and S2 corridor is located in close proximity to the centre of the S1 and S2 vertebrae on the lateral fluoroscopic view as determined by the adjacent endplates and anterior and posterior vertebral cortices. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of males and females have a complete osseous corridor to pass a trans-sacroiliac S1 screw of 8 mm diameter. The S2 corridor was present in all males but only in 87 % of females. Preoperative review of the axial CT slices at the midpoint of the S1 or S2 vertebral body allows the presence of a trans-sacroiliac osseous corridor to be determined by assessing the passage at the narrowest point of the corridor at the junction of the sacral ala to the vertebral body.

Is arthroscopic assisted percutaneous screw fixation as good as open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures?

BACKGROUND: This study compares the outcomes of calcaneal fracture surgery after open reduction internal fixation and plating (ORIF) versus arthroscopic assisted percutaneous screw fixation (APSF). METHODS: Group I (N=12) underwent ORIF. Group II (N=15) underwent APSF. Anthropometric data, pre and post-operative stay, complications and duration off work were recorded in this retrospective case cohort study. Radiographs were analyzed for Bohler's, Gissane's angle and Sanders' classification. AOFAS Hindfoot and SF 36 scores were collected at final follow-up. RESULTS: Anthropometric data, Bohler's and Gissane's angles, AOFAS and SF 36 scores were not significantly different. Pre-operative duration was 12.3 days in ORIF and 6.9 days in APSF. Post-operative duration was 7.3 days vs 3.8 days. Duration off work was 6.2 months vs 2.9 months. CONCLUSION: The APSF group was able to have surgery earlier, go home faster, and return to work earlier. This study was not powered to demonstrate a difference in wound complication rates.