[Minimal invasive fixation for acetabular fracture with three dimensional fluoro-images based on navigation]

To evaluate the security and effectiveness of minimal invasive fixation with three dimensional (3D) fluoro-images based on navigation system in the management of acetabular fractures.

Between August 2008 and January 2010, 12 patients with acetabular fractures were treated with percutaneous screw fixation under the guidance of 3D fluoro-images based on navigation system after closed reduction. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged 28-57 years (mean, 38.1 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 9 cases, and falling from height in 3 cases. According to AO classification, there were 1 case of A2.2 type, 3 cases of A2.3 type, 2 cases of A3.2 type, 2 cases of A3.3 type, 1 case of B2.2 type, 1 case of B3.2 type, 1 case of C2.1 type, and 1 case of C2.3 type. The interval from injury to hospitalization was 4 hours to 3 days (mean, 1.2 days).

Totally 28 screws were implanted. The average time to implant 1 screw was 24.8 minutes. Twenty-seven screws were placed correctly with a successful rate of 96.4%, only 1 screw was reinserted for deviation. All the screws were checked by the 3D fluoro-images, which showed they were not in the joint space after fixation. The results were the same as that by CT scanning. Incisions healed by first intention, and no implant failure occurred. All 12 patients were followed up 7 to 24 months with an average of 16.8 months. At last follow-up, fracture union was achieved in all patients with satisfactory screw fixation.

The minimal invasive fixation with 3D fluoro-images based on navigation system makes the surgery for the nondisplaced acetabular fracture more precise and time-saving, minimizes the surgery injury, and improves the clinical results with less complications.