Morphometric Analysis of the Acetabular Anterior Column for Retrograde Screw Fixation: A Comparative CT Study

This study aimed to define the morphological characteristics of the acetabular anterior column to facilitate safe and efficient intramedullary fixation and to compare these parameters across different populations.

Pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans of 82 adult patients (42 Turkish and 40 Russian; males and females, aged 18-92 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Measurements included the minimum corridor diameter, maximum corridor length, and craniocaudal (sagittal) and mediolateral (horizontal) angles of the anterior column. Comparisons were made according to ethnicity, age, and sex.

Among 82 patients (51.2% Turkish, 48.8% Russian), no significant age difference was found between the groups (p = 0.126). In the Turkish population, the mean maximum corridor length was 123.6 ± 8.09 mm, and the mean minimum diameter was 12.1 ± 2.08 mm; in the Russian population, these values were 125.8 ± 9.21 mm and 11.5 ± 2.52 mm, respectively (p = 0.247 and p = 0.241, respectively). No significant interethnic differences were found in morphological features. Subgroup analysis revealed that Turkish males had a significantly greater mean minimum diameter (12.33 ± 2.04 mm) than Russian males (10.69 ± 1.85 mm) (p = 0.019). Within both ethnicities, males had a significantly greater maximum corridor length than females.

Intramedullary fixation of anterior column acetabular fractures requires precise morphometric understanding. This study provides normative morphometric data for Turkish and Russian populations, offering guidance for implant design, surgical planning, and future comparative research.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-026-01873-4.