Three-dimensional Computed Tomography Posterior Iliac Oblique Images Enhance Preoperative Planning for Acetabular Fracture Surgery

J Surg Orthop Adv. 2021 Spring;30(1):50-54.

Abstract

The advent of computed tomography and development of three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions has allowed for profound advances in the understanding of complex acetabular fractures. The authors sought to determine the impact of 3-D reconstructions on understanding of the morphology of these injuries. A survey of 20 fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons was undertaken to assess the utility of these reconstructions on understanding three complex posterior acetabulum fractures. Respondents noted significantly better understanding of posterior wall and transverse-posterior wall fracture patterns compared to a posterior column-posterior wall pattern when utilizing two-dimensional imaging only. The respondent#x02019;s understanding of all three patterns was improved with the addition of 3-D reconstructions. With regards to individual images, posterior iliac oblique reconstructions obtained at 36-degree and 54-degree from posterior were reported to be most helpful in improving understanding of fracture morphology. Three-dimensional reconstructions of posterior acetabular fractures are effective in enhancing understanding of fracture morphology. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(1):050-054, 2021).

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / diagnostic imaging
  • Acetabulum / surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / surgery
  • Hip Fractures*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed