Biomechanical evaluation of seven fixation methods to treat pubic symphysis diastasis using finite element analysis

BACKGROUND: Pubic symphysis diastasis (PSD) hinders the connection between bilateral ischia and pubic bones, resulting in instability of the anterior pelvic ring. PSD exceeding 25 mm is considered disruptions of the symphyseal and unilateral/bilateral anterior sacroiliac ligaments and require surgical intervention. The correct choice of fixation devices is of great significance to treat PSD. This study aimed to evaluate the construct stability and implant performance of seven fixation methods to treat PSD using finite element analysis. METHODS: The intact skeleton-ligament pelvic models were set as the control group. PSD models were simulated by removing relevant ligaments. To enhance the stability of the posterior pelvic ring, a cannulated screw was applied in the PSD models. Next, seven anterior fixation devices were installed on the PSD models according to standard surgical procedures, including single plates (single-Plate group), single plates with trans-symphyseal cross-screws (single-crsPlate group), dual plates (dual-Plate group), single cannulated screws, dual crossed cannulated screws (dual-canScrew group), subcutaneous plates (sub-Plate group), and subcutaneous pedicle screw-rod devices (sub-PedRod group). Compression and torsion were applied to all models. The construct stiffness, symphyseal relative micromotions, and von Mises stress performance were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The construct stiffness decreased dramatically under PSD conditions. The dual-canScrew (154.3 ± 9.3 N/mm), sub-Plate (147.1 ± 10.2 N/mm), and sub-PedRod (133.8 ± 8.0 N/mm) groups showed better ability to restore intact stability than the other groups (p < 0.05). Regarding regional stability, only single-plate fixation provided unexpected regional stability with a diastasis of 2.1 ± 0.2 mm (p < 0.001) under a compressive load. Under a rotational load, the single-crsPlate group provided better regional angular stability (0.31° ± 0.03°, p < 0.001). Stress concentrations occurred in the single-Plate, sub-Plate, and sub-PedRod groups. The maximum von Mises stress was observed in the single-plate group (1112.1 ± 112.7 MPa, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The dual-canScrew fixation device offers ideal outcomes to maintain stability and prevent failure biomechanically. The single-crsPlate and dual-Plate methods effectively improved single-Plate device to enhance regional stability and disperse stresses. The subcutaneous fixation devices provided both anterior pelvic ring stability and pubic symphysis strength.