Anatomic and Radiographic Considerations in the Placement of Anterior Pelvic External Fixator Pins

Abstract

Anatomic and radiographic studies were performed on three cadaveric pelves to define recommendations for better anterior pelvic external fixator pin placement. A thick zone of bone was identified for pin purchase beginning along the iliac crest 2-3 cm posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and extending 6-8 cm posteriorly along the crest. This zone is hourglass-shaped, and follows the superior gluteal ridge to the superior acetabular region. This zone has a maximal thickness of 4 cm in the supra-acetabular region, and a minimum of 8 mm at the isthmus. Cortical pin penetration is more likely to occur if pin placement begins in the lateral third of the iliac crest, or if the pin is advanced beyond the isthmus of this zone, 5 cm from the crest. Acetabular penetration occurs when the pins are advanced farther than 10.5 cm. Radiographic evaluation demonstrates that only the pelvic outlet view gives the proper orientation of the iliac tables to guide the angle of the pin placement (24 degrees from vertical) and to confirm proper pin placement. Computed tomography (CT) evaluation with "inlet" positioning of the gantry gives complementary information for pin placement.