The three-dimensional bone mass distribution of the posterior pelvic ring and its key role in transsacral screw placement

To optimize the placement of iliosacral screws in osteoporotic bone it is essential to know where to find the best purchase. The aim of this study was to determine and visualize the distribution of bone mass in the posterior pelvic ring by using a color-coded thermal map, to differentiate the bone distribution patterns in normal pelvises and in pelvises with impaired bone density and to identify zones in S1 and S2 with particularly good bone quality, in both healthy and osteoporotic pelvises. A total of 324 pelvises were included. The bone density of the posterior pelvic ring, the fifth lumbar vertebral body (L5) and screw corridors S1 and S2 were visualized. Each individual pelvis was measured with a 3D automated program. Two groups were selected - patients with mean bone density in L5 of ≤100 HU (group 1, n = 52) and those with mean bone density >100 HU (group 2, n = 272). Color-coded thermal maps are presented of the bone density distribution in the pelvises. Bone density in L5 correlated significantly with S1 and S2; bone density was significantly higher in the S1 than in the S2 corridor (p < 0.001). Bone was denser in the posterior and upper parts of the S1 body. Bone density was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p < 0.001). The color-coded “thermal” maps of bone mass distribution can help surgeons to decide where sacroiliac screws are likely to find optimal purchase.