Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recently, the infra-acetabular screw has been proposed for use in treatment of acetabular fractures as a part of a periacetabular fixation frame. Biomechanical studies have shown that an additional infra-acetabular screw placement can enhance the fixation strength of acetabular fracture internal fixation. Currently, the reported exit point of the infra-acetabular screw has been located at the ischial tuberosity (Screw I). However, our significant experience in placement of the infra-acetabular screw has suggested that when the exit point is located between the ischial tuberosity and the ischial spine (Screw II), the placement of a 3.5 mm infra-acetabular screw may be easier for some patients. We conducted this study in order to determine the anatomical differences between the two different IACs. METHODS: The raw datasets were reconstructed into 3D models using the software MIMICS. Then, the models, in the STL format model, were imported into the software Geomagic Studio to delete the inner triangular patches. Additionally, the STL format image processed by Geomagic Studio was imported again into MIMICS. Finally, we used an axial perspective based on 3D models in order to study the anatomical parameters of the two infra-acetabular screw corridors with different exit points. Hence, we placed the largest diameter virtual screw in the two different screw corridors. The data obtained from this study presents the maximum diameter, length, direction, and distances between the entry point and center of IPE. RESULTS: In 65.31% males and 40.54% females, we found a screw I corridor with a diameter of at least 5 mm, while a screw II corridor was present in 77.55% in males and 62.16% in females. Compared to screw I, the length of screw II is reduced, the angle with the coronal plane is significantly reduced, and the angle with the transverse plane is significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: For East Asians, changing the exit point of the infra-acetabular screw can increase the scope of infra-acetabular screw use, especially for females.