A guideline for placement of an infra-acetabular screw based on anatomic landmarks via an intra-pelvic approach

Background: Due to demographic changes, more and more fracture patterns involving anterior acetabular structures occur. The infra-acetabular screw is seen a useful tool to increase stability in fixation of the acetabular cup. However, the exact position of this screw in relation to anatomic landmarks which are intra-operatively palpable via an intra-pelvic approach has not yet been determined. Methods: This biomorphometric experimental study references the ideal screw position of an infra-acetabular screw to anatomic landmarks palpable via an intra-pelvic approach. Therefore, we created a computer tomography-based 3D-model of 40 patients (20 women, 20 men) who received a computer tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis for any other reason than an acetabular fracture. Results: The entry point of an ideal infra-acetabular was of high constancy. At mean, this point was 10.2 mm caudal and 10.4 mm medial of the ilio-pubic/ilio-pectineal eminence. This reference is independent of age, gender, or physical dimensions. However, we found gender-dependent differences for the angulation and the length of the screw. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive guideline to determine the ideal entry point for an infra-acetabular screw via an intra-pelvic approach. The entry point is located 10.2 mm caudal and 10.4 mm medial of the ilio-pubic/ilio-pectineal eminence

Major Secondary Surgery in Blunt Trauma Patients and Perioperative Cytokine Liberation: Determination of the Clinical Relevance of Biochemical Markers

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study is to assess the associations between the timing of secondary definitive fracture surgery on inflammatory changes and outcome in the patient with multiple injuries. The study population consists of a series of patients with multiple injuries who were managed using a strategy of primary temporary skeletal stabilization followed by delayed definitive fracture fixation. METHODSIn a prospective cohort study performed at a Level I trauma center, the patients’ injuries and operative details as well as immune markers and clinical outcomes were studied. The patients were split into an early secondary surgery group (group ESS, surgery at days 2–4) and a late secondary surgery group (group LSS, surgery at days 5–8). During the posttraumatic course, inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) were determined on a daily basis. Perioperatively, these markers were additionally evaluated at 30 minutes, 7 hours, and 24 hours after initiation of surgery. RESULTSSecondary surgery on days 2 to 4 was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative organ dysfunction (n = 33 [46.5%]) than secondary surgery on days 5 to 8 (n = 9 [15.7%], p = 0.01). A significant association between the combination of initial IL-6 values > 500 pg/dL plus surgery on days 2 to 4 and the development of multiple organ failure (r = 0.96, p 500 pg/dL and surgery on days 5 to 8 (r = 0.57, p 500 pg/dL in group ESS, r = 0.96, p 500 pg/dL in group LSS, r = 0.57, p < 0.07. CONCLUSIONAccording to our data, no distinct clinical advantage in carrying out secondary definitive fracture fixation early could be determined. In contrast, in patients who demonstrated initial IL-6 values above 500 pg/dL, it may be advantageous to delay the interval between primary temporary fracture stabilization and secondary definitive fracture fixation for more than 4 days. In patients with blunt multiple injuries undergoing primary temporary fixation of major fractures, the timing of secondary definitive surgery should be carefully selected, because it may act as a second hit phenomenon and cause a deterioration of the clinical status