Real-time three-dimensional fluoroscopy-navigated percutaneous pelvic screw placement for fragility fractures of the pelvis in the hybrid operating room

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of conservative treatment for fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP) in the older patients remains poor. Percutaneous pelvic screw placement (PPSP), which aids in the treatment of FFP, can be challenging to perform using fluoroscopy alone because of the proximity of blood vessels and neuroforamina. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the accuracy and clinical outcomes of PPSP using real-time 3D fluoroscopic navigation for FFP in the hybrid operating room. METHODS: This study included 41 patients with FFP who underwent PPSP in a hybrid operating room between April 2016 and December 2020. Intraoperative C-arm cone-beam CT was performed under general anesthesia. Guidewire trajectory was planned using a needle guidance system. The guidewire was inserted along the overlaid trajectory using 3D fluoroscopic navigation, and a 6.5 mm cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) was placed. The clinical outcomes and accuracy of the screw placement were then investigated. RESULTS: A total of 121 screws were placed. The mean operative time was 84 ± 38.7 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 7.6 ± 3.8 g. The mean time to wheelchair transfer was 2 days postoperatively. Pain was relieved in 35 patients. Gait ability from preoperative and latest follow-up after surgery was maintained in 30 (73%) patients. All 41 patients achieved bone union. Of the 121 screws, 119 were grade 0 with no misplacement; only 2 patients had grade 1 perforations. CONCLUSION: PPSP using real-time 3D fluoroscopic navigation in a hybrid operating room was accurate and useful for early mobilization and pain relief among older patients with FFP with an already-installed needle biopsy application. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-06026-w.