Anatomical study of anterior column screw tunnels through virtual three-dimensional models of the pelvis

We created 66 male and 74 female virtual three-dimensional models of the pelvis based on computed tomography data from 140 patients. Virtual cylindrical bolts (VCBs) were placed in the anterior column (AC), which was then resliced serially along the bolt's long axis. AC screw tunnel mainly comprises two long, narrow triangular prisms [zone III (acetabular fossa) and zone V (obturator foramen)]--forming the III/V angle--linked by a larger, shorter cylinder [zone IV (acetabular notch)]. VCBs' mean length and maximum diameter were 111.13 ± 7.33 and 7.37 ± 1.90 mm, respectively. The models' anatomical zone lengths were similar between the sexes. Zone V's narrowest diameters and the III/V angles were significantly different. VCBs >6.5 mm were accommodated in 65 of 66 male models and 31 of 74 female models. VCBs >5.0 and <6.5 mm were accommodated in one male and 30 female models. Eleven female models accommodated only VCBs >3.5 and <5.0 mm. However, to 13 female pelvic models with maximum VCB accommodation of <5 mm for the anterior column, the maximum diameter of the VCBs was 8.23 ± 1.22 mm in medial passage and 10.3 ± 1.91 mm in lateral passage, respectively. Percutaneous fixation of the AC with screws is a safe technique, even though in Chinese female patients. The narrowest diameters in zone V and the III/V angles are the key factors for application of AC screws. Female patients with a smaller interosseous space at zone V and a large III/V angle can accommodate segmental passage screws.