Trends and current aspects of reconstructive surgery for gynecological cancers.

Gynecologic cancers can lead to gynecologic tract destruction with extension into both the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Recurrent disease can also affect the surrounding bony pelvis and pelvic musculature. As opposed to advanced ovarian cancer, where cytoreduction is the goal, in these scenarios, an oncologic approach to achieve negative margins is critical for benefit. Surgeries aimed at achieving a R0 resection in gynecologic oncology can have a significant impact on pelvic anatomy, and require reconstruction. Overall, it appears that these types of radical surgery are less frequently performed; however, when required, multidisciplinary teams at high-volume centers can potentially improve short-term morbidity. There are few data to examine the long-term, quality-of-life outcomes after reconstruction following oncologic resection in advanced and recurrent gynecologic cancers. In this review we outline considerations and approaches for reconstruction after surgery for gynecologic cancers. We also discuss areas of innovation, including minimally invasive surgery and the use of 3D surgical anatomy models for improved surgical planning.In the era of 'less is more', pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology is still indicated when there are no other curative-intent alternatives in persistent or recurrent gynecological malignancies confined to the pelvis or with otherwise unmanageable symptoms from fistula or radiation necrosis. Pelvic exenteration is one of the most destructive procedures performed on an elective basis, which inevitably carries a significant psychologic, sexual, physical, and emotional burden for the patient and caregivers. Such complex ultraradical surgery, which requires removal of the vagina, vulva, urinary tract, and/or gastrointestinal tract, subsequently needs creative and complex reconstructive procedures. The additional removal of sidewall or perineal structures, like pelvic floor muscles/vulva, or portions of the musculoskeletal pelvis, and the inclusion of intra-operative radiation further complicates reconstruction. This review paper will focus on the reconstruction aspects following pelvic exenteration, including options for urinary tract restoration, reconstruction of the vulva and vagina, as well as how to fill large empty spaces in the pelvis. While the predominant gastrointestinal outcome after exenteration in gynecologic oncology is an end colostomy, we also present some novel new options for gastrointestinal tract reconstruction at the end.

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.

Initial experience, feasibility, and technical development with an electromagnetic navigation assistance in percutaneous pelvic bone cementoplasty: retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and technical outcomes of pelvic bone cementoplasty using an electromagnetic navigation system (EMNS) in standard practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric retrospective study of all consecutive patients treated with cementoplasty or reinforced cementoplasty of the pelvic bone with EMNS-assisted procedures. The endpoints were periprocedural adverse events, needle repositioning rates, procedure duration, and radiation exposure. RESULTS: A detailed description of the technical steps is provided. Thirty-three patients (68 years ± 10) were treated between February 2016 and February 2020. Needle repositioning was required for 1/33 patients (3%). The main minor technical adverse event was soft tissue PMMA cement leaks. No major adverse event was noted. The median number of CT acquisitions throughout the procedures was 4 (range: 2 to 8). Radiation exposure and mean procedure duration are provided. CONCLUSION: Electromagnetic navigation system-assisted percutaneous interventions for the pelvic bone are feasible and lead to low rates of minor technical adverse events and needle repositioning. Procedure duration and radiation exposure were low. KEY POINTS: • Initial experience for 33 patients treated with an electromagnetic navigation assistance for pelvic cementoplasty shows feasibility and safety. • The use of an electromagnetic navigation system does not expose to high procedure duration or radiation exposure. • The system is efficient in assisting the radiologist for extra-axial planes in challenging approaches.

Digital pair-matching of iliac bones: pilot study on a three-dimensional approach with models acquired through stereophotogrammetry.

Three-dimensional (3D) pair-matching has brought about an innovative approach for the analysis of commingled skeletal remains, and it has been tested on bone models acquired through CT and laser scans. Here, 3D models of 40 innominate bones (20 left and 20 right) of 20 documented male individuals from a cemeterial skeletal collection were acquired through a stereophotogrammetric device (VECTRA M3, Canfield Scientific, Inc.). The ventral iliac surface was chosen as the anatomical region of interest (ROI) for the analysis. Each left ROI was mirrored and superimposed on the matching right ROI (contralateral element from the same individual) and mismatching ROIs (contralateral elements from different individuals). The point-to-point distance between models was calculated through the Vectra Analysis Module (VAM) software and the root mean square (RMS) point-to-point distance value was used to evaluate the sorting performance of the method, in terms of sensitivity and specificity rates. Differences in RMS between matches and mismatches were investigated through a Student's t test (p < 0.05). The state of preservation of the remains was assessed following an index of anatomical completeness and differences in RMS distances of true matches according to different anatomical completeness were assessed through the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05). RMS point-to-point distances of matches and mismatches were significantly different (p < 0.01), being the matches lower than mismatches. The RMS threshold of 2.9 mm identified all the true pairs; the test was 100% sensitive and 51% specific. The RMS of matches with a better state of preservation are significantly lower than the less preserved matches (p < 0.05). In general, a low RMS distance value may indicate a true match, being it to be further verified. The 3D approach for sorting innominate bones provides a valid screening test that could complete subjective and osteometric methods with numerical evidence of the match. Preliminary data suggest a possible relation between RMS distance values and taphonomic condition, which would benefit from further research.

Does primary tumor resection improve survival for patients with sarcomas of pelvic bones, sacrum, and coccyx who have metastasis at diagnosis ?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrated that primary tumor resection (PTR) improves survival of patients with metastatic bone sarcomas. However, it remains quite unclear regarding the role of PTR in the treatment of sarcomas of pelvic bones with synchronous metastasis at diagnosis. METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, we enrolled a total of 385 patients with sarcomas of pelvic bones, sacrum, and coccyx who have metastasis at initial diagnosis, including 139 patients with osteosarcoma, 176 with Ewing sarcoma, and 70 with chondrosarcoma. Association between PTR and disease-specific survival (DSS) were investigated using the univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Representative institutional PTR strategies and clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic pelvic sarcomas from our cancer center were displayed. RESULTS: The usage rate of PTR was 28.1% (39/139) in osteosarcoma, 13.6% (24/176) in Ewing sarcoma, and 41.4% (29/70) in chondrosarcoma with synchronous metastatic lesions. PTR was not associated with an improved DSS for metastatic pelvic osteosarcoma (HR = 0.686, 95% CI = 0.430 ~ 1.094, P = 0.113) and Ewing sarcoma (HR = 0.580, 95% CI = 0.291 ~ 1.154, P = 0.121). The use of PTR was associated with an improved DSS for metastatic pelvic chondrosarcoma (HR = 0.464, 95% CI = 0.225 ~ 0.954, P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Primary lesion resection may provide a survival benefit for metastatic chondrosarcoma, but not for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma of pelvic bones, sacrum, and coccyx. This population-based study recommends an active surgical intervention for metastatic chondrosarcoma while non-surgical treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma of the pelvis in terms of survival improvement.

Comparison of Anterior Iliac Crest Versus Proximal Tibia Autologous Bone Graft Harvesting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Anterior iliac crest (AIC) is the preferred option for bone grafting; however, pain and complications are reported. Proximal tibia (PT) is a sourceful site for bone grafting with lower complications. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched to identify studies comparing AIC and PT autograft procedure. The main outcome was pain and complication rate. As well as cadaveric and cell-based studies were analyzed for quantity and quality of AIC and PT autograft. A meta-analysis was performed using the generic inverse variance method with random or fixed effects model depending on heterogeneity between studies. Heterogeneity was tested with the I2 statistic index. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Six studies and 248 patients were included for clinical outcomes. A significant pain reduction favoring PT at 24 hours was detected after meta-analysis and corresponding sensitivity analysis. The estimated effect size ranged from -2.31 to -2.93 cm, with confidence intervals aligned to the left indicating a robust steady decrease in pain across studies. This effect was not observed after 1 month. A total of 18 complications were reported, 13 in the AIC group and 5 in the PT group. Four cadaveric studies were included, 3 favored PT on the quantity of bone graft harvested. Five cell-based studies were included, only one study favored AIC for quality of bone graft. Our study concludes that PT bone harvest is a reliable option for bone grafting regarding morbidity, complications, volume graft obtained, and cellular and molecular properties. However, the current evidence is still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, especially in terms of bone healing. PROSPERO Register: CRD42020198150.

The lateral stress radiograph: an effective alternative to examination under anesthesia for identifying occult instability in minimally displaced lateral compression pelvic ring injuries.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the practice of utilizing lateral stress radiographs (LSRs) to identify occult instability (≥ 10 mm of dynamic displacement on LSRs) of minimally displaced lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring injuries and to evaluate for associations between instability and patient demographics, injury characteristics, and hospital course. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective registry from 2018 to 2022 identified 151 patients with LC1 injuries. LSRs were obtained in 86.8% (131/151) of patients. Three (2.2%) patients were excluded for malrotation of LSRs, leaving 128 patients for analysis. RESULTS: The median maximum dynamic displacement on LSRs was 12.2 mm (IQR: 5.9 to 17.3). Occult instability was present in 62.5% (80/128) of patients and was associated with older age (Median difference 11.0 years, 95% CI 3.0 to 20.0), Nakatani type 1 rami fractures (73.7% vs. 47.9%, p = 0.001), and rami fracture comminution (Proportional difference 58.7%, 95% CI 42.8 to 71.3%), but not gender, high-energy mechanism, bilateral rami fractures, Denis classification, sacral fracture completeness, or sacral comminution. Patients with occult instability took longer to ambulate 15 feet and clear physical therapy (PT), were more likely to be unable to clear PT by hospital day 3 or by time of discharge, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to require rehabilitation facilities. CONCLUSION: LSRs were obtained in a majority of patients. Occult instability was frequently present and associated with older age, comminuted distal pubic rami fractures, longer hospital stays, longer times to mobilize and clear PT, and an increased need for rehabilitation facilities.

Reinforced cementoplasty for pelvic tumour lesions and pelvic traumatic fractures: preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic bone pathological lesions and traumatic fractures are a considerable source of pain and disability. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforced cementoplasty (RC) in painful and unstable lesions involving the pelvic bone in terms of pain relief and functional recovery. METHODS: All patients with neoplastic lesion or pelvic fracture for whom a pelvic bone RC was carried out between November 2013 and October 2017 were included in our study. All patients who failed the medical management, patients unsuitable for surgery, and patients with unstable osteolytic lesions were eligible to RC. Clinical outcome was evaluated with a 1-month and 6-month post-procedure follow-up. The primary endpoint was local pain relief measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (18 females, 4 males; mean age of 65.4 ± 13.3 years [range 38-80]) presenting with painful and unstable pelvic lesions were treated by RC during the study period. Among the 22 patients, 8 patients presented with unstable pelvic fractures (3 patients with iliac crest fracture, 3 with sacral fractures, and the remaining 2 with peri-acetabular fractures). No procedure-related complications were recorded. All patients had significant pain relief and functional improvement at 1 month. One patient (4.5%) had suffered a secondary fracture due to local tumour progression. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforced cementoplasty is an original minimally invasive technique that may help in providing pain relief and effective bone stability for neoplastic and traumatic lesions involving the pelvic bone. KEY POINTS: • Reinforced cementoplasty is feasible in both traumatic fractures and tumoural bone lesions of the pelvis. • Reinforced cementoplasty for pelvic bone lesions provides pain relief and functional recovery. • Recurrence of pelvic bone fracture was observed in 4.5% of the cases in our series.

Restoring femoral medial offset could reduce pelvic obliquity following primary total hip arthroplasty, an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Since femoral and horizontal offsets may be contributing factors to hip and pelvic balance, this study seeks to determine whether there is a correlation between pelvic obliquity (PO) after unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and horizontal/vertical offset differences of the replaced and contralateral natural joints. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on adult patients who underwent unilateral THA between 2017 and 2020. An expert orthopaedic resident measured PO angles and offset parameters. "Delta medial offset" is considered medial offset of the replaced hip minus the medial offset of the contralateral side. "Absolute delta medial offset" is considered the absolute value of the "Delta medial offset." RESULTS: Finally, 133 patients were included in the study with a mean (SD) age of 45.3 ± 14.8 years and 57.9% female. The PO values (median, IQR) changed from 3.2 (1.7-5.7) before THA to 3.0 (1.50-5.6) after THA, not significantly decreased (P = 0.31). The PO after THA is significantly correlated with PO before THA (correlation coefficient of 0.457, P < 0.001), the delta medial offset after THA (correlation coefficient of - 0.24, P = 0.006), and the absolute delta medial offset after THA (correlation coefficient of 0.284, P = 0.001). The amount of changes of delta medial offset, before and after surgery, was not significantly correlated to PO or PO changes after surgery. CONCLUSION: PO before the THA and medial offset discrepancy after THA are two important contributing factors for post-operative PO. Restoring the medial offset of the affected side and lowering the delta medial offset between the two sides can significantly decrease post-operative PO.

Pelvic bone CT: can tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT and virtual radiographs be used as alternative for standard CT and digital radiographs?

OBJECTIVES: To compare ultra-low-dose CT (ULD-CT) of the osseous pelvis with tin filtration to standard clinical CT (CT), and to assess the quality of computed virtual pelvic radiographs (VRs). METHODS: CT protocols were optimized in a phantom and three pelvic cadavers. Thirty prospectively included patients received both standard CT (automated tube voltage selection and current modulation) and tin-filtered ULD-CT of the pelvis (Sn140kV/50mAs). VRs of ULD-CT data were computed using an adapted cone beam-based projection algorithm and were compared to digital radiographs (DRs) of the pelvis. CT and DR dose parameters and quantitative and qualitative measures (1 = worst, 4 = best) were compared. CT and ULD-CT were assessed for osseous pathologies. RESULTS: Dose reduction of ULD-CT was 84% compared to CT, with a median effective dose of 0.38 mSv (quartile 1-3: 0.37-0.4 mSv) versus 2.31 mSv (1.82-3.58 mSv; p < .001), respectively. Mean dose of DR was 0.37 mSv (± 0.14 mSv). The median signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of bone were significantly higher for CT (64.3 and 21.5, respectively) compared to ULD-CT (50.4 and 18.8; p ≤ .01), while ULD-CT was significantly more dose efficient (figure of merit (FOM) 927.6) than CT (FOM 167.6; p < .001). Both CT and ULD-CT were of good image quality with excellent depiction of anatomy, with a median score of 4 (4-4) for both methods (p = .1). Agreement was perfect between both methods regarding the prevalence of assessed osseous pathologies (p > .99). VRs were successfully calculated and were equivalent to DRs. CONCLUSION: Tin-filtered ULD-CT of the pelvis at a dose equivalent to standard radiographs is adequate for assessing bone anatomy and osseous pathologies and had a markedly superior dose efficiency than standard CT. KEY POINTS: • Ultra-low-dose pelvic CT with tin filtration (0.38 mSv) can be performed at a dose of digital radiographs (0.37 mSv), with a dose reduction of 84% compared to standard CT (2.31 mSv). • Tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT had lower SNR and CNR and higher image noise than standard CT, but showed clear depiction of anatomy and accurate detection of osseous pathologies. • Virtual pelvic radiographs were successfully calculated from ultra-low-dose CT data and were equivalent to digital radiographs.

Medial iliac stress fractures in athletes: report of two rare cases: review of literature and clinical recommendations.

Stress fractures are a common diagnosis in sports medicine and can result in significant loss of function, athlete playing time, and potentially lead to chronic symptoms. However, unusual locations of stress fractures may present with vague symptoms and a relatively benign physical exam, leading to difficulty in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Pelvic stress fractures are less common than lower-extremity stress fractures in athletes, occurring in only 1-5% of all stress fractures and typically occur in pubic rami. Furthermore, iliac bone stress fractures are even rarer, with only a few case reports in the literature. Their presentation can easily be missed on routine workup and imaging. We present two cases of the very rare superomedial iliac bone stress fracture in athletes, an unusual location for this uncommon stress fracture. We review the available literature on this condition and provide clinical commentary on workup and treatment recommendations.

Where and what arteries are most likely injured with pelvic fractures?: The Influence of Localization, Shape, and Fracture Dislocation on the Arterial Injury During Pelvic Fractures.

Blood vessels passing through pelvic region come into intimate contact with pelvic bone and can be injured by the sharp edges of the dislocated fracture fragments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of localization, shape, and dislocation of individual pelvic ring bones' fractures on arterial injuries. The study group consisted of 474 patients enrolled in a 1-year prospective multicenter study. The pattern of pelvic fracture lines was characterized and recorded on a planar diagram of the subjected side of the pelvis. The diagram was subdivided into 11 designated areas. Frequency of injury at each 11 areas was recorded. The course of individual arteries in the 11 areas was also recorded in relation to each type of pelvic fractures. Out of the 474 investigated patients, the highest proportion of fractures occurred in the areas of the superior (62%) and inferior (59%) ramus of the pubis as well as in the lateral part of the sacrum (19%). These locations can be associated with injuries of the external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, and aberrant obturator arteries. The highest risk of arterial injuries was associated with vertically displaced fractures in the middle part of the superior and inferior pubic rami, along the ischial ramus, in the apex of the greater sciatic notch and in the vicinity of the ventral part of the sacroiliac joint, where the artery runs at a distance of less than 1 cm from the bone. Clin. Anat. 32:682-688, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantitative MDCT assessment of binder effects after pelvic ring disruptions using segmented pelvic haematoma volumes and multiplanar caliper measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To assess effects of pelvic binders for different instability grades using quantitative multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) parameters including segmented pelvic haematoma volumes and multiplanar caliper measurements. METHODS: CT examinations of 49 patients with binders and 49 controls performed from January 2008-June 2016, and matched 1:1 for Tile instability grade and Pennal/Young-Burgess force vector, were compared for differences in pubic symphysis and sacroiliac displacement using caliper measurements in three orthogonal planes. Pelvic haematoma volumes (ml) were derived using semi-automated seeded region-growing segmentation. Median caliper measurements and volumes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and correlations assessed with Pearson's correlation coefficient. Relevant caliper measurement cutoffs were established using ROC analysis. RESULTS: Rotationally unstable (Tile B) patients with binders showed significant decreases in sacroiliac diastasis (2.7 mm vs. 4.5 mm; p=0.003) and haematoma volumes (135 ml vs. 295 ml; p=0.008). Globally unstable (Tile C) binder patients showed decreased sacroiliac diastasis (4.7 mm vs. 6.4 mm, p=0.04), without significant difference in haematoma volumes (284 ml vs. 234 ml, p=0.34). Four Tile C patients with binders demonstrated over-reduction resulting in pubic body over-ride. CONCLUSION: Rotationally unstable patients with binders have significantly less sacroiliac diastasis versus controls, corresponding with significantly lower haematoma volumes. KEY POINTS: • Haematoma segmentation and multiplanar caliper measurements provide new insights into binder effects. • Binder reduction corresponds with decreased pelvic haematoma volume in rotationally unstable injuries. • Discrimination between rotational and global instability is important for management. • Several caliper measurement cut-offs discriminate between rotationally and globally unstable injuries. • Pubic symphysis over-ride is suggestive of binder over-reduction in globally unstable injuries.

Improved MDCT monitoring of pelvic myeloma bone disease through the use of a novel longitudinal bone subtraction post-processing algorithm.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a novel CT post-processing software that generates subtraction maps of baseline and follow-up CT examinations in the course of myeloma bone lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 61 consecutive myeloma patients who underwent repeated whole-body reduced-dose MDCT at our institution between November 2013 and June 2015. CT subtraction maps classified a progressive disease (PD) vs. stable disease (SD)/remission. Bone subtraction maps (BSMs) only and in combination with 1-mm (BSM+) source images were compared with 5-mm axial/MPR scans. RESULTS: Haematological response categories at follow-up were: complete remission (n = 9), very good partial remission (n = 2), partial remission (n = 17) and SDh (n = 19) vs. PDh (n = 14). Five-millimetre CT scan yielded PD (n = 14) and SD/remission (n = 47) whereas bone subtraction + 1-mm axial scans (BSM+) reading resulted in PD (n = 18) and SD/remission (n = 43). Sensitivity/ specificity/accuracy for 5-mm/1-mm/BSM(alone)/BSM + in "lesion-by-lesion" reading was 89.4 %/98.9 %/98.3 %/ 99.5 %; 69.1 %/96.9 %/72 %/92.1 % and 83.8 %/98.4 %/92.1 %/98.3 %, respectively. The use of BSM+ resulted in a change of response classification in 9.8 % patients (n = 6) from SD to PD. CONCLUSION: BSM reading is more accurate for monitoring myeloma compared to axial scans whereas BSM+ yields similar results with 1-mm reading (gold standard) but by significantly reduced reading time. KEY POINTS: • CT evaluation of myeloma bone disease using a longitudinal bone subtraction post-processing algorithm. • Bone subtraction post-processing algorithm is more accurate for assessment of therapy. • Bone subtraction allowed improved and more efficient detection of myeloma bone lesions. • Post-processing tool demonstrating a change in response classification in 9.8 % patients (all showing PD). • Reading time could be substantially shortened as compared to regular CT assessment.

Posterior locked lateral compression injury of the pelvis in geriatric patients: an infrequent and specific variant of the fragility fracture of pelvis.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior locked lateral compression injury (PLLCI) of the pelvic ring is an infrequent variant of lateral compression injury, a condition described in only eight reported cases since 2000. Lateral compression injury usually results from high-energy trauma and is characterized by locking between the medially translated fractured ilium and the anterior border of the sacrum, regardless of whether the fractured ilium involves the sacroiliac joint. However, in our experience, lateral compression injury can also result from low-energy trauma as a manifestation of pelvic fragility fracture. The aim of the present study was to describe this rare form of PLLCI in a case series of geriatric patients. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with pelvic ring injuries who were admitted to our hospital from January 2008 to April 2015 identified seven geriatric patients (1 male and 6 females; median age 81 years) with a form of PLLCI. RESULTS: All injuries were due to falls from a standing position onto the ground. All seven cases demonstrated characteristics of a locking fractured ilium over the anterior border of the sacrum on axial computed tomography images, but were not detected on plain radiographs. All underwent follow-up at 1 year or later with improved mean visual analogue scale scores (range 0-3). Regarding Koval walking ability scores, patients who underwent pelvic brim plating with anterior external fixation were more likely to regain their pre-injury walking ability than patients who only underwent anterior external fixation or conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients can experience PLCCIs of the pelvis due to low-energy trauma. These fractures have different characteristics from those associated with severe injuries due to high-energy trauma, and they comprise an infrequent form of Rommens fragility fracture of the pelvis (type IIIa). In these cases, appropriate surgical management that includes sacroiliac plating combined with anterior external fixation can yield good outcomes.

Diagnostic performance of abdominal CT for diagnosis of pelvic fractures: comparison with pelvic CT.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department, patients with abdominopelvic trauma inadvertently undergo both abdominal computed tomography (CT) (for intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic organs) and pelvic CT (CT with multiplanar reformation in three orthogonal planes of the bony pelvis). However, the systemic use of CT is concerning given the cumulative radiation dose. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of abdominal CT in comparison to pelvic CT in patients with suspected pelvic fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients who underwent abdominal CT and pelvic CT within a 2-week period to evaluate pelvic fractures were included. Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed eight anatomical regions of the pelvic bones on both abdominal CT and pelvic CT over a 1-week interval. The interpretation of pelvic CT scans by two senior musculoskeletal radiologists was considered as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance and inter-observer agreement of both CT scans were evaluated. RESULTS: For reviewers 1 and 2, abdominal CT showed high accuracy (98% and 98%, respectively) as did pelvic CT. For both abdominal CT and pelvic CT, fracture detection in all anatomical regions of the pelvic bones was not significantly different for the two reviewers (P ≥ 0.25). Inter-observer agreement for all anatomical regions of the pelvic bones was excellent or good (k = 0.785-1.0). CONCLUSION: Not only pelvic CT but also abdominal CT is acceptable for detection of pelvic fractures, in spite of its thicker sections and different reconstruction algorithm. Therefore, if abdominal CT has already been performed, additional pelvic CT might no longer be necessary in order to exclude a pelvic fracture.

Relationship between levator ani and bony pelvis morphology and clinical grade of prolapse in women.

The aim of this study was to assess the morphological features of the levator ani and bony pelvis in women with different grades of prolapse. Ninety Chinese women with different grades of uterine prolapse were studied, 18 in each stage of prolapse from I to IV, and 18 asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers as normal controls. Three-dimensional (3D) models that included the pelvic bones, levator ani, pubic symphysis, sacrum, and coccyx were generated from magnetic resonance (MR) images. The width and length of the levator hiatus and levator symphysis gap, the width of the iliococcygeus, and the iliococcygeal angle were measured to quantify levator ani morphology; the intertuberous diameter, interspinous diameter, subpubic angle, and pubococcygeal line were measured to characterize the morphology of the bony pelvis. Four patterns of levator ani morphology among women with and without prolapse were distinguished. Among the bony pelvis parameters, no measurement differed significantly between the subjects with prolapse and normal controls, or among subjects with different grades of prolapse. There were significant differences in the width and length of the levator hiatus and levator symphysis gap between women with prolapse and normal controls. Our pilot data help to elucidate bony pelvis and levator ani morphology in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse. In contrast to the iliococcygeus muscle, changes in the morphological features of the pubovisceral muscle are more likely to accompany prolapse.

Ischiofemoral Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is characterized by a hip pain associated with abnormalities in quadriceps femoris muscle and ipsilaterally reduced distance between the lesser trochanter and the ischium. Thus far, the congenital variant of this entity has been reported exclusively in women. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 22-year old male with painful hips in whom on the basis of the imaging studies the constitutional variant of ischiofemoral impingement was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Ischiofemoral conflict should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of hip pain, particularly among women, but also in patients with valgus hip deformity and other abnormalities leading to reduction of the space between femoral and ischial bones independent of gender.

Bone involvement by adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: a rare entity.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma is the second most frequent cancer of the uterine cervix after squamous carcinoma, and the most frequent histotype is the mucinous one. Endo-cervical adenocarcinoma accounts for about 10-30% of all cervical cancers and clinically the lesion can be asymptomatic or, more frequently, presenting with anomalous bleeding and/or vaginal discharge. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old woman with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix was subjected to chemotherapy after radical surgery. During the follow-up, the patient underwent a Positron Emission Tomography integrated with Computed Tomography and pelvic Magnetic Resonance, which showed rapid and diffuse disease progression from the site of the lesion to the pelvic bones. CONCLUSIONS: Bone involvement in patients with cervical cancer, being a rare event, is significant since it greatly reduces life expectancy. The majority of metastatic bone lesions in cervical cancer seem to be of osteolytic nature. In our patient, Positron Emission Tomography integrated with Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance were the imaging methods used during the follow-up and both techniques clearly showed diffuse and rapid tumour spread to the bones.