Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Research Articles

Accuracy in Navigated Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Fixation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Percutaneous sacroiliac screw placement is a challenging procedure in patients with pelvic fractures. To overcome these challenges, navigated techniques have emerged as an alternative to conventional 2D fluoroscopy for guiding screw placement. However, it remains to be seen whether navigated techniques truly have a beneficial effect on accuracy, radiation exposure and occurrence of complications. Aims We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether navigated techniques are superior to conventional 2D fluoroscopy in percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. Methods The electronic databases were searched for both randomized clinical trials and observational studies comparing percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation with 2D fluoroscopy to new navigated techniques (2D or 3D fluoroscopic navigation with a c-arm, computer assisted ultrasound navigation, O-Arm navigation, mobile CT navigation, robotic navigation). Effects were pooled and presented as odds ratio, mean difference, and standardized mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results In total 18 studies were included. New navigated techniques had a higher accuracy (81% versus 91% with MD 10%, 95% CI 5-14%). The greatest benefit in accuracy was found in studies with more advanced navigated techniques (O-Arm, mobile CT or robotic navigation). Also, fluoroscopy time (MD 72.13 seconds, 95% CI 7.73;92.91) and fluoroscopy frequency (MD 17.22 images in total, 95% CI 7.73;26.70) were lower for new navigated techniques. Radiation dose was higher for new navigated techniques (SMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.01;0.99). Surgery duration showed no significant difference. Similar results were found among in vitro studies. Complications were rare in both groups. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated a higher accuracy of screw positioning, lower fluoroscopic frequency and time for navigated percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation compared to conventional 2D fluoroscopy. Complications are acceptably low for both groups. Future studies should focus on which of the navigated techniques is the best and whether the implementation costs of a new technique outweigh its benefits.

Immediate management of a stable patient with unstable pelvis.

The diagnosis of a traumatic unstable pelvis in a stable patient is a temporary concept depending on when we see the patient, as all patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock have hemodynamic stability until they become unstable. As a rule, the more unstable the pelvic fracture is, the higher the risk of bleeding and hemodynamic instability it has. Therefore, in unstable pelvic fractures, hemodynamic stability should be a diagnosis by exclusion. For bleeding detection in stable patients, an immediate one-stage contrast-enhanced CT scan is the appropriate diagnosis test; however, since CT scan radiation is always an issue, X-rays should be considered in those cases of hemodynamically stable patients in whom there is a reasonable suspicion that no unsafe bleeding is going on. Pelvic fracture classification is essential as usually there is an association between the injury mechanism, the fracture displacement, and the hemodynamic stability. Anteroposterior and, particularly, vertical traumatisms have much more proclivity to provoke major pelvic displacement and bleeding. The use of a pelvic binder, as early as possible including pre-hospital management, should be standard in high-impact blunt trauma patients independently of the trauma mechanisms. External fixation is the preferred method of stabilization in case of open fractures, and, in closed ones, when the schedule for definite osteosynthesis prolongs because of the patient's general condition. If possible, immediate percutaneous sacroiliac screw insertion for unstable pelvic fractures produce excellent results even in open fractures.

3D-navigation for SI screw fixation – How does it affect radiation exposure for patients and medical personnel?

Background3D-navigation for percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is becoming increasingly common and several studies report great advantages of this technology. However, there is still limited clinical evidence on the efficacy regarding radiation exposure for patient and personnel. MethodsThis is a retrospective, single-center cohort study. All patients who underwent percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation for an injury of the posterior pelvic ring from 2014 to 2021 were screened. Inclusion criteria were: conclusive radiation dosage reports, signed informed consent, a twelve month follow up and a complete data set. Patients were stratified in two groups (3D-navigation (Group 3D-N) vs. control (Group F)) based on the imaging modality used. Primary outcomes were radiation exposure for patient and personnel. Secondary outcomes were reoperations, complications, and intraoperative precision. ResultsOf 392 patients screened, 174 patients (3D-N: n = 50, F: n = 124) could be included for final analysis. We noted a significant reduction of the dose corresponding to potential radiation exposure for medical personnel (-15.3 mGy, 95 %CI: -2.1 to -28.5, p = 0.0232), but also a significant increase of the dose quantifying radiation exposure for patients (+77.0 mGy, 95 %CI: +53.3 to +100.6, p < 0.0001), when using navigation. In addition, the rate of radiographic malplacement was significantly reduced (F: 11.3% vs. 3D-N: 0 %, p = 0.0113) despite a substantial increase in transsacral screw placement (F: 19.4% vs. 3D-N: 76 %). ConclusionOur data clearly suggests that the use of 3D-navigation for percutaneous SI screw fixation decreases radiation exposure for medical personnel, while increasing radiation exposure for patients. Furthermore, intraoperative precision is improved, even in more challenging operations.

Retrospective evaluation of percutaneous 3D-navigated screw fixation for fragility fractures of the sacrum: technical notes and four-year experience

The incidence of fragility fractures of the sacrum is increasing due to demographic changes. In this study, we introduce the 3D-navigated monoportal percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation (PSS) as a technical advancement for treating fragility fractures of the sacrum. We included all patients who underwent the 3D-navigated monoportal PSS for fragility fractures of the sacrum. The fractures were classified using the Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis score (FFP). We provide a step-by-step illustration of the surgical technique. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the investigated technique. Forty-six patients (36 female, 10 male) with a median age of 81.5 years were included in the study. The fracture classification revealed 23 FFP2 (50%), 5 FFP3 (11%), and 18 FFP4 (39%) fractures. In 35 cases (76%), only transsacral screws were implanted in S1 and S2, with an average incision-to-suture time of 52.6 min. The remaining eleven patients underwent additional anterior pelvic ring fixation, lumbar instrumentation, or kyphoplasty. There were no instances of nerve root, vascular, or pelvic organ injuries. The median postoperative in-hospital stay was six days. Out of the 36 patients who were followed up, four patients required revision surgery due to screw loosening. No significant risk factor for screw loosening was identified in the multiple regression analysis. The presented monoportal PSS technique for fragility fractures of the sacrum is a promising minimally invasive approach with a low complication rate and excellent short-term outcomes.

Bony Sacral Volume after Sacro-Iliac Screw Fixation of Pelvic Fractures Is Dependent on Reduction of the Anterior Pelvic Ring.

Pelvic ring injuries are uncommon but serious injuries. Percutaneous sacro-iliac screw fixation (SSF) is the standard treatment for posterior stabilization of pelvic fractures. Compression forces of the SSF might cause deformity of the sacrum and the pelvic ring. The aim of this radio-volumetric study is to evaluate the morphometry of the sacrum and pelvic ring in SSF for posterior pelvic fractures. (1) Methods: We conducted a radio-volumetric study measuring the bony sacral volume before and after SSF for a pelvic fracture based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the pre- and postoperative computed tomography scan of 19 patients with a C-type pelvic fracture. In addition to the bony sacral volume, we assessed the pelvic deformity and the load bearing axis. We compared the results of patients without anterior stabilization (Group A) to patients who had additional ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring. (2) Results: Median age of the patients was 41.2 years (±17.8). All patients received percutaneous SSF with partially threaded 7.3 mm screws. The sacral volume decreased from 202.9 to 194.3 cm3 in group A (non-operative treatment anterior, n = 10) and an increase of sacral volume from 229.8 to 250.4 cm3 in group B (anterior ORIF; n = 9). Evaluation of the pelvic deformity also reflected this trend by a decrease of the ipsilateral load-bearing angle in group A (37.0° to 36.4°) and an increase of this angle in group B (36.3 to 39.9°). (3) Conclusions: Bony sacral volume and pelvic deformity after sacro-iliac screw fixation in pelvic fractures depend on treatment of the anterior pelvic ring. Reduction and fixation of the anterior fracture shows an increase of the bony sacral volume and the load bearing angle leading to a closer to normal reconstruction of the pelvic anatomy.

Chronic sacroiliac joint dysfunction and CT-guided percutaneous fixation: a 6-year experience.

Reporting the clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complications following an imaging-guided percutaneous screw fixation in the treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this method. We performed a retrospective study on a prospectively gathered cohort of patients with physiotherapy-resistant pain due to sacroiliac joint incompetence that underwent percutaneous screw fixation, between 2016 and 2022 in our center. A minimum of two screws were used in all patients to obtain fixation of the sacroiliac joint, using percutaneous screw insertion under CT guidance, coupled with a C-arm fluoroscopy unit. The mean visual analog scale significantly improved at 6months of follow-up (p < 0.05). One hundred percent of the patients reported significant improvement in pain scores at the final follow-up. None of our patients experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications. The use of percutaneous sacroiliac screws provides a safe and effective technique for the treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in patients with chronic resistant pain.

RADIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE PELVIS: A TOOL FOR TRAUMA SURGERY PLANNING

Variations in pelvic anatomy are a major risk factor for misplaced percutaneous sacroiliac screws used to treat unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. A better understanding of pelvic morphology improves preoperative planning and therefore minimises the risk of malpositioned screws, neurological or vascular injuries, failed fixation or malreduction. Hence a classification system which identifies the clinically important anatomical variations of the sacrum would improve communication among pelvic surgeons and inform treatment strategy.300 Pelvic CT scans from skeletally mature trauma patients that did not have pre-existing posterior pelvic pathology were identified. Axial and coronal transosseous corridor widths at both S1 and S2 were recorded. Additionally, the S1 lateral mass angle were also calculated. Pelvises were classified based upon the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) height using the midpoint of the anterior cortex of L5 as a reference point. Four distinct types could be identified:Type-A – SIJ height is above the midpoint of the anterior cortex of the L5 vertebra.Type-B – SIJ height is between the midpoint and the lowest point of the anterior cortex of the L5 vertebra.Type-C – SIJ height is below the lowest point of the anterior cortex of the L5 vertebra.Type-D – a subgroup for those with a lumbosacral transitional vertebra, in particular a sacralised L5.Differences in transosseous corridor widths and lateral mass angles between classification types were assessed using two-way ANOVAs.Type-B was the most common pelvic type followed by Type-A, Type-C, and Type-D. Significant differences in the axial and coronal corridors was observed for all pelvic types at each level. Lateral mass angles increased from Types-A to C, but were smaller in Type-D.This classification system offers a guide to surgeons navigating variable pelvic anatomy and understanding how it is associated with the differences in transosseous sacral corridors. It can assist surgeons’ preoperative planning of screw position, choice of fixation or the need for technological assistance.

Complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation of traumatic pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this review was to present a thorough overview of the complications associated with conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation to identify areas for improvement in surgical technique and patient selection. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for original human studies reporting on complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac fixation in traumatic pelvic ring injuries from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2022. The main meta-analysis was based on the random effect model to pool all complications reported in the included studies. The results were reported as weighted proportions with 95% confidence intervals. This review was conducted in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 56 studies with 3644 screws (2871 procedures) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 40.5years. The most frequently reported complications were screw malposition with a weighted proportion of 6% (95% CI: 5-9%) and involved 189 out of 3644 screws, persistent pain following the procedure with a weighted proportion of 3% (95% CI: 2-4%) and affected 98 out of 2871 patients, and nerve injury, which had a weighted proportion of 2% (95% CI: 1-3%) and was observed in 41 out of 2871 procedures. The L5 and S1 nerve roots were more frequently affected. Revision surgery was required for 184 out of 2871 patients with a weighted proportion of 5% (95% CI: 3-7%). The primary reason for the revision was persistent pain after the initial procedure, which affected 74 out of 184 patients, with a weighted proportion of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-2.8%). This study showed that screw malposition, the need for revision surgery, persistent pain, and nerve injuries were the most frequent complications following conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. However, these results must be interpreted in context due to confounding factors, including the lack of high-quality studies and the absence of uniformity in defining some complications across studies.

Finite element analysis of sacral-alar-iliac screw fixation for sacroiliac joint dislocation.

The percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw is a common fixation option for posterior ring disruption in pelvic fractures. However, SI screw placement is difficult and can injure adjacent neurovascular structures. The sacral-alar-iliac screw (SAI) is a safe, reliable free-hand sacral pelvic fixation technique. To investigate the biomechanical stability of SAI for SI joint dislocation, finite element analysis was performed in unstable Tile-Type B and C pelvic ring injuries. The displacement in S1 (fixation of a unilateral S1 segment with one SI screw), TS1 (fixation of the S1 segment with a transsacra 1 screw), TS2 (fixation of the S2 segment with a transsacra 2 screw), S1AI, and S2AI exceeded the normal SI joint mobility. Sufficient stability after SI joint dislocation was obtained with (TS1 + TS2), (TS2 + S1), (S1AI + S2AI + rod), (S1AI + S2AI), and (S1 + S2AI + S1 pedicle) fixation. The TS1 + TS2 group had the smallest displacement and lowest peak screw stress, followed by (S1 + S2AI + S1 pedicle) placement. Our findings suggest that SAI screws are a valuable option for SI joint dislocation.

TiRobot‑assisted versus conventional fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation for pelvic ring injuries: a meta‑analysis

BackgroundThe TiRobot is the only robot that has been reported in the literature for posterior pelvic injuries. We aim to compare TiRobot-assisted pelvic screw fixation with the conventional fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis to identify studies involving TiRobot‑assisted versus conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation for pelvic ring injuries in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang database, up to April 2022. The following keywords were used: “TiRobot,” “robot,” “robotic,” “pelvic fracture,” “screw fixation,” “percutaneous,” and “pelvic ring injury.” Pooled effects of this meta-analysis were calculated using STATA SE version 15.0.ResultsCompared with conventional fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation, TiRobot will result in less radiation exposure time of screw implantation (P = 0.000), less frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy (P = 0.000), fewer guide wire attempts (P = 0.000), less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.005), better screw accuracy (P = 0.011), better Majeed score (P = 0.031), and higher overall excellent and good rates of Majeed score (P = 0.018). However, there were no significant differences in terms of operative time (P = 0.055), fracture healing time (P = 0.365), and overall excellent and good rate of reduction accuracy (P = 0.426) between the two groups.ConclusionTiRobot-assisted fixation has less intraoperative fluoroscopy and intraoperative blood loss, superior screw accuracy, and Majeed score compared with conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. TiRobot has no significant effect on operative time, fracture healing time, and reduction accuracy. Given the relevant possible biases in our meta-analysis, we required more adequately powered and better-designed RCT studies with long-term follow-up to reach a firmer conclusion.

The Accuracy of Percutaneous Sacro-Iliac Screw Fixation for Pelvic Ring Injuries using the Lateral view as the Corner Stone for Screw Placement: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This paper has been temporarily removed by the publisher, Wolters-Kluwer, as it may have been published in error. We regret any confusion this may have caused.

Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation in fragility fractures of the pelvis: Comparison of two different augmentation techniques

ObjectiveFragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are becoming increasingly common. Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation is an accepted and safe treatment method for FFP. Augmentation is an option to optimize fixation strength of the screws. This study aims to compare patient mobility and the occurrence of complications after operative treatment of FFP utilizing two different augmentation techniques. MethodsAll patients who received augmented sacroiliac screws for the treatment of FFPs between 01.01.2017 and 31.12.2018 at one of the two participating hospitals were included. The operative techniques only differed with regards to the augmentation method used. At the one hospital cannulated screws were used. Definitive screw placement followed augmentation. At the other hospital cannulated and fenestrated screws were used, permitting definitive screw placement prior to augmentation. ResultsIn total, 59 patients were included. The NRS score for pain was significantly lower after surgery. Preoperative mobility levels could be maintained or improved in 2/3 of the patients. There were no fatal complications. Two revision surgeries were performed because of screw misplacement. There were no significant differences between the two augmentation techniques in terms of complications. ConclusionBoth augmentation techniques have a low complication rate and are safe methods to maintain patients’ mobility level. The authors advocate early consideration of surgical treatment for patients with FFP. Augmentation can be considered a safe addition when performing percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation.

TiRobot-assisted surgery by O-arm navigation system for percutaneous minimally invasive treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury

To evaluate the effectiveness of TiRobot-assisted surgery by O-arm navigation system for percutaneous minimally invasive treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury. The clinical data of 76 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury between January 2016 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 45 cases were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation assisted by TiRobot and O-arm navigation system (study group), 31 cases were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation under the guidance of C-arm X-ray machine (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, Tile classification, time from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the times of nail track adjustment, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times were recorded. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Matta score. At last follow-up, Majeed score was used to evaluate the recovery of pelvic function. A total of 72 screws were implanted in the study group, with a median of 1 (1, 2) screws per patient. In the control group, 47 screws were implanted, with a median of 1 (1, 2) screws per patient. There was no significant difference in the number of screws between the two groups ( Z=-0.392, P=0.695). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, times of nail track adjustment, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 14 months). No serious complications was found after operation and during follow-up. Matta score was used to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction at 1 week after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-1.135, P=0.256). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference of Majeed score between the two groups ( Z=-1.279, P=0.201). TiRobot-assisted surgery by O-arm navigation system is a reliable surgical method for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury, which can reduce the operation time and fluoroscopy times when compared with the traditional operation under the guidance of C-arm X-ray machine. The safety, accuracy, and efficiency of the operation were improved.

The morphology of the sacral corridor for transiliac transsacral screw in Japanese osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients: Analysis using CT data

[Introduction] Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring are increasing in the elderly population. A percutaneous sacroiliac screw is one of the methods used to fix of the posterior pelvic element with less dislocation. It is advantageous for elderly because minimally invasive insertion is possible; although there are few reports studying the Japanese population. Here, we investigated the Japanese sacral morphology and examined the feasibility of the percutaneous transiliac transsacral screw method. [Materials and Method] Seventy patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures were included. For the measurement, CT images were analyzed using Zedhip (LEXI) based on the method of Goetzen. The column between S1 and S2 was classified into three groups, the ascending type, horizontal type, descending type, and the presence or absence of a notch was investigated. [Result] There were many ascending types in the center of S1, a few descending types, and many patients with a notch in the S2. There were many ascending types in middle of the S1 and many patients with a notch in middle of the S2 and lower quarter. [Conclusion] There is a tendency that indicates TITS screw penetration may be difficult in the S1, and it is necessary to consider the possibility of insertion via preoperative CT planning. Adaptation of the percutaneous TITS screw fixation technique for the Japanese elderly population with osteoporotic vertebral fractures should be carefully considered.

Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation in a pediatric with unstable bilateral superior rami and sacral fracture-dislocation; a case report and review of the literature

Complex pelvic ring injuries in childhood can be difficult to treat, and literature mentions several techniques for fixing SIJ fracture-dislocations. In accordance with the CAse REport (CARE) guidelines, this study describes a five-year-old boy with a complex pelvic ring fracture caused by a car accident: vertically unstable pelvic fracture consists of bilateral superior rami fractures and type I of Denis sacral fracture. Fixation was achieved by inserting a 6.5 mm major diameter cannulated screw with a 60 mm length and 16 thread into the SIJ at the level of S1. The pelvic inlet view corrected the anterior-posterior position, and the pelvic outlet view adjusted the superior-inferior position to determine a suitable sacral level. After three months, the SI joint has shown an anatomically fracture consolidation, and he could ambulate with full weight-bearing and full ROM with no pain. A 3-year follow-up showed promising results in radiological and functional terms.We conclude that percutaneous SI screw fixation using a cannulated screw is a suitable technique for pediatrics because it provides anatomic reductions and is minimally invasive. Children as young as five can be treated safely with SI screws for sacral fractures and SIJ injuries.

Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Fixation in a Pediatric with Unstable Bilateral Superior Rami and Sacral Fracture-Dislocation; a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Fixation in a Pediatric with Unstable Bilateral Superior Rami and Sacral Fracture-Dislocation; a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Does Cement Augmentation of the Sacroiliac Screw Lead to Superior Biomechanical Results for Fixation of the Posterior Pelvic Ring? A Biomechanical Study.

Background and Objectives: The stability of the pelvic ring mainly depends on the integrity of its posterior part. Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screws are widely implanted as standard of care treatment. The main risk factors for their fixation failure are related to vertical shear or transforaminal sacral fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of fixations using one (Group 1) or two (Group 2) standard SI screws versus one SI screw with bone cement augmentation (Group 3). Materials and Methods: Unstable fractures of the pelvic ring (AO/OTA 61-C1.3, FFP IIc) were simulated in 21 artificial pelvises by means of vertical osteotomies in the ipsilateral anterior and posterior pelvic ring. A supra-acetabular external fixator was applied to address the anterior fracture. All specimens were tested under progressively increasing cyclic loading until failure, with monitoring by means of motion tracking. Fracture site displacement and cycles to failure were evaluated. Results: Fracture displacement after 500 cycles was lowest in Group 3 (0.76 cm [0.30] (median [interquartile range, IQR])) followed by Group 1 (1.42 cm, [0.21]) and Group 2 (1.42 cm [1.66]), with significant differences between Groups 1 and 3, p = 0.04. Fracture displacement after 1000 cycles was significantly lower in Group 3 (1.15 cm [0.37]) compared to both Group 1 (2.19 cm [2.39]) and Group 2 (2.23 cm [3.65]), p ≤ 0.04. Cycles to failure (Group 1: 3930 ± 890 (mean ± standard deviation), Group 2: 3676 ± 348, Group 3: 3764 ± 645) did not differ significantly between the groups, p = 0.79. Conclusions: In our biomechanical setup cement augmentation of one SI screw resulted in significantly less displacement compared to the use of one or two SI screws. However, the number of cycles to failure was not significantly different between the groups. Cement augmentation of one SI screw seems to be a useful treatment option for posterior pelvic ring fixation, especially in osteoporotic bone.

Osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring and their minimally invasive treatment options

The routine care of osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring requires awell-structured treatment algorithm in order to start astage-appropriate treatment without delay. Nowadays, minimally invasive treatment methods are the gold standard. The minimally invasive dorsal techniques primarily include percutaneous sacroiliac screw osteosynthesis and internal spinopelvic fixation. For minimally invasive treatment from an anterior approach the subcutaneous internal fixator is the method of choice. The primary goal of all forms of treatment, whether conservative or surgical, is the quickest possible painless mobilization and transfer to the familiar environment.

Robotic navigation system utilization for percutaneous sacroiliac screw placement: surgical setup and technique.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pathology is a common cause of significant pain and disability, and operative treatment consisting of SIJ fusion can be performed in cases where non-operative measures fail to provide sustained relief. Through the years, SIJ fusion has evolved from an open invasive procedure, to more recently, being performed through minimally invasive techniques. Intraoperative navigation systems and robotic guidance are becoming popularized for SIJ fusion, as well as other routine and complex spinal cases. The utility of navigation and robotics is the enhanced ability of the surgeon to place instrumentation more accurately, with less dissection, blood less, and overall operative time. We present a technique guide for robotic instrumented SIJ fusion with intraoperative navigation that we have put into practice at our institution and found to be very beneficial to patients for the above reasons. We describe the setup and utilization of these technologies intraoperatively, and provide specific case examples to highlight our technique. The described methods have been found to be effective and reproducible, allowing for minimally invasive SIJ screw placement with high accuracy and safety. We emphasize that utilizing intraoperative navigation and robotics is not meant to substitute for surgeon knowledge of case steps or anatomy, but rather to enhance safety and efficacy. To our knowledge, robotic SIJ fusion has not been previously described in the literature.

Treating sacroiliac joint dislocation through percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation with the aid of 2 fluoroscopes: a novel technique.

Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation is the standard treatment for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dislocation. In most hospitals, the procedure is guided by a C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy system, which must be repeatedly repositioned during surgery. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using 2 fluoroscopes simultaneously. A total of 28 consecutive patients with SIJ dislocation were included in this study. The patients were randomly allocated to groups and underwent percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation using either 1 or 2 fluoroscopes. Total radiation exposure frequency, radiation dose, and operation time were recorded and compared. Dislocation reduction quality was assessed using the Tornetta and Matta standard, and the Majeed functional score was used to evaluate clinical, imaging, and social function following pelvic injury. Complications were also recorded. The results showed that the radiation exposure frequency was significantly less with 2 fluoroscopes than with a single fluoroscope (21.5±8.6 and 42.6±18.3 times, respectively; P<0.001). However, the radiation dose (156.3±67.2 mGy for 1 fluoroscope and 157.8±38.2 mGy for 2 fluoroscopes; P>0.05) between the 2 groups was not significantly different. The total operation time was also significantly shorter with 2 fluoroscopic devices than with a single device (35.8±12.9 and 65.5±19.7 minutes, respectively; P<0.001). The dislocation reduction quality and Majeed functional score (92.3% and 86.7% for 1 fluoroscope, 93.3% and 84.6% for 2 fluoroscopes, respectively; P>0.05) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups at the final follow-up. Complications, such as pain, superficial infection, restricted squatting, limp, and screw failure, were rarely recorded in either group. The simultaneous application of 2 fluoroscopes is highly appropriate during percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation to treat SIJ dislocation, and can significantly reduce radiation exposure frequency and operation time.