Is the both column fixation corridor a universally valid and consistent fixation pathway in pelvic and acetabular surgery?

INTRODUCTION

The Both Column Fixation Corridor (BCFC) and Both Column Screws (BCS) represent innovative concepts in orthopedic surgery, yet they have not been extensively studied in the literature. This study aims to validate the BCFC as a consistent fixation pathway across genders, evaluate its axial fluoroscopic visualization, and investigate gender-specific anatomical variations for surgical planning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, pelvic CT data from 400 adults (200 males, 200 females) were analyzed using Fujifilm-Synapse 3D software. In the initial step, axial fluoroscopic visualization of the corridor was simulated, and the optimal antegrade entry point (OAEP) was identified. Subsequently, virtual placement of anterior and posterior screws (aBCS, pBCS) was performed radiologically within the corridor. Measurements included screw thickness (R), length (L), distances to the spina iliaca anterior superior (SIAS-aBCS, SIAS-pBCS), and the caudo-cranial (CCT) and centro-lateral (CLT) fluoroscopic tilts required for axial visualization of the BCFC and its OAEP.

RESULTS

Fluoroscopic axial visualization of the BCFC and identification of the OAEP were successfully achieved in all models, enabling the placement of both anterior and posterior screws across genders. Measurements revealed the following average values for female and male pelvises, respectively: aBCS thicknesses were 6.5 ± 0.8 mm and 7.9 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.001); lengths were 131.6 ± 8.8 mm and 146.8 ± 9.9 mm (p < 0.001); pBCS thicknesses were 6.5 ± 0.8 mm and 7.5 ± 0.7 mm (p < 0.001); lengths were 132.6 ± 9.7 mm and 148.3 ± 9.6 mm (p < 0.001); caudo-cranial tilts were 42.8°± 5.4 and 39.5°± 5.2 (p < 0.001); and centro-lateral tilts were 43.1°± 4.3 and 40.0°± 5.3 (p < 0.001). SIAS-pBCS distances were 38.5 ± 6.9 mm and 40.7 ± 7.5 mm (p = 0.003), while SIAS-aBCS distances were 29.7 ± 6.9 mm and 30.2 ± 6.7 mm (p = 0.467). All parameters, except for the SIAS-aBCS distance, exhibited statistically significant gender-specific differences.

CONCLUSION

The Both Column Fixation Corridor is a universally valid and consistent osseous fixation pathway present in both genders. It is suitable for the placement of two screws in pelvic and acetabular surgery, with careful consideration of gender-specific anatomical differences to optimize its application.