Utility of 3-Dimensional Intraoperative Imaging in Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis

Successful surgical management of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures requires technical expertise to achieve an accurate reduction and stable fixation. The use of 3-dimensional (3D) intraoperative imaging (3DIOI) as an assessment tool has led to improved reduction and placement of implants. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of using 3DIOI in the management of acetabular and pelvic fractures on the basis of outcomes reported in the literature.

A literature search was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), and Google Scholar using key terms. A network meta-analysis conducted using the frequentist approach allowed for statistical analysis of reported outcomes regarding screw position (in mm), fracture reduction (in mm), and complications.

A total of 9 studies were included in this analysis. When compared with conventional radiography, the mean radiation dose (in cGy·cm2) was significantly higher in 3DIOI (mean difference, 82.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21.83 to 143.61; p = 0.007). Use of 3DIOI yielded a 93% lower risk of developing medical complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.35; p = 0.014). Use of 3DIOI yielded higher odds of achieving accurate screw placement (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.44 to 12.32; p = 0.008) and perfect reduction (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.19 to 5.68; p = 0.016). In ranking the imaging modalities, 12 of the 13 parameters analyzed were in favor of 3DIOI over conventional fluoroscopy and 2D navigation imaging.

Current literature supports the use of 3DIOI because of the decreased rates of misplaced implants, malreduced fractures, complications, and subsequent revision operations. The use of 3DIOI allows for improved visualization of pelvic anatomy when repairing pelvic and acetabular fractures, and helps surgeons to achieve favorable surgical outcomes.

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.