Preliminary study of the feasibility and accuracy of percutaneous peri-acetabular screw insertion in a porcine model

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to assess a new method of training for peri-acetabular screw placement under indirect vision using standard C-arm fluoroscopy using a porcine model.Two novice orthopaedic residents placed 72 screws (36 each) about the acetabula of six porcine pelves under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Unsatisfactory screw position was noted in 22 of 72, with five instances of screw ingress into the hip joint. All of these cases occurred in the first half of each resident's series. Screw direction and final position improved over subsequent trials.This pilot study demonstrates that surgical simulation techniques are applicable in percutaneous screw fixation. Such an approach could be useful for both residents in training and more experienced surgeons who wish to perform this procedure in cases where it is appropriate.