The “Metaizeau trick” to facilitate medullary pubic ramus screw insertion: A technical note

Abstract

Minimally invasive procedures have recently seen an increase in the treatment of pelvic ring disruptions and select acetabular fractures. Similar to ilio-sacral screws, the superior pubic ramus screw is becoming a preferred method for treating unstable pelvic ring fractures. While the osteology of the superior pubic ramus is well understood and has inherent variability, standard screw insertion techniques work effectively in most cases. If the anatomy prevents the standard approach, there are alternative methods that can be employed for successful screw placement, or there might be a need for an open reduction and internal fixation with plates. Such techniques can be material-intensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we introduce a straightforward method that utilizes the Metaizeau nail as a guide wire to facilitate screw insertion in most instances, termed the “Metaizeau trick”. Metaizeau nails, commonly found in trauma centers, are designed to locate a pathway effortlessly using this method. Level of evidenceIV.