Standardization and Reproducibility of Dynamic Stress Testing for Occult Pelvic Ring Instability

Examination under anesthesia (EUA) (stress fluoroscopy) is commonly done after pelvic ring injury to identify occult instability because unstable disruptions may displace causing morbidity. The force applied during EUA for these injuries has not been standardized. The purpose of this study was to examine the forces used during the EUA by experienced orthopaedic trauma pelvic surgeons.

Orthopaedic traumatologists performed simulated EUA on a cadaver at two North American pelvis and acetabular courses using internal rotation (IR), external rotation, and push-pull maneuvers while wearing a handheld dynamometer to measure force. All surgeons used a comparable method, and each performed EUA multiple times. Maximum forces were measured in Newton (N).

Eighteen surgeons participated. Four had been practicing for <5 years, six for 5 to 10 years, six for 11 to 20 years, and two for >20 years. Surgeons applied a force ranging from 40.4 to 374.9 N during IR, 72.9 to 338.4 N during external rotation, and 25 to 323 N during push-pull, with notable variability seen between surgeons. Three surgeons (18%) had >50-N variability on serial trials of a single EUA maneuver (IR).

This is the first study evaluating the forces applied during pelvic EUA used to assess ring stability. Notable variability existed among surgeons performing EUA and in serial examinations by the same surgeon. Additional study is needed to standardize the displacement measured and threshold for instability that guides management.