Real-time three-dimensional fluoroscopy-navigated percutaneous pelvic screw placement for fragility fractures of the pelvis in the hybrid operating room

Background: The prognosis of conservative treatment for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) among the elderly remains poor. However, the percutaneous pelvic screw placement (PPSP) in FFP is close to the neuroforamen and blood vessels, making the procedure under fluoroscopy difficult and unsafe. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the accuracy and clinical outcomes of PPSP using real-time 3D fluoroscopic navigation for FFP in the hybrid operating room. Methods: This study included 41 patients with FFP who underwent PPSP in a hybrid operating room between April 2016 and December 2020. Intraoperative C-arm cone-beam CT was performed under general anesthesia. Guidewire trajectory was planned using needle guidance system. The guidewire was inserted along the overlaid trajectory using 3Dfluoroscopic navigation, and a 6.5 mm CCS was placed. The clinical outcomes and accuracy of the screw placement were then investigated. Results: A total of 121 screws were placed. The mean operative time was 84 ± 38.7 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 7.6 ± 3.8 mL. The mean time to wheelchair transfer was 2 days postoperatively. Pain was relieved in 34 patients. Gait ability from preoperative and latest follow-up after surgery was maintained in 30 (73%) patients. all 41 patients achieved bone union. Of the 121 screws, 119 were grade 0 with no misplacement; only 2 patients had grade 1 perforations. Conclusion: PPSP using real-time 3D fluoroscopic navigation in a hybrid operating room was accurate and useful for early mobilization and pain relief among elderly patients with FFP without necessary of an additional navigational system.