Review Article

Technical Considerations and Fluoroscopy in Percutaneous Fixation of the Pelvis and Acetabulum

Banaszek, Daniel MD, FRCSC; Starr, Adam J. MD; Lefaivre, Kelly A. MD, MSc, FRCSC

From the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Dr. Banaszek and Dr. Lefaivre), Department of Orthopaedics, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Dr. Banaszek and Dr. Lefaivre), the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (Dr. Starr), and Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX (Dr. Starr).

None of the following authors or any immediate family member has received anything of value from or has stock or stock options held in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article: Dr. Banaszek, Dr. Starr, and Dr. Lefaivre.

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 27(24):p 899-908, December 15, 2019. | DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-18-00102

Abstract

Surgical treatment of the pelvic ring and acetabulum continues to evolve. Improved imaging technology and means for closed reduction have meant that percutaneous techniques have gained popularity in the treatment of the pelvic ring and, more recently, in the acetabulum. Potential benefits include decreased soft-tissue dissection, blood loss, and surgical time. However, these are technically demanding procedures that require substantial expertise from both the surgeon and the radiographer. This article details the necessary fluoroscopic views and general methods used in percutaneous techniques around the pelvis and acetabulum. Despite most studies reporting good-to-excellent clinical and radiographic results, further work is needed to facilitate standardization and optimization of these outcomes.