Treating sacroiliac joint dislocation through percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation with the aid of 2 fluoroscopes: a novel technique

Background: Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation is the standard treatment for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dislocation. In most hospitals, the procedure is guided by a C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy system, which must be repeatedly repositioned during surgery. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using 2 fluoroscopes simultaneously. Methods: A total of 28 consecutive patients with SIJ dislocation were included in this study. The patients were randomly allocated to groups and underwent percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation using either 1 or 2 fluoroscopes. Total radiation exposure frequency, radiation dose, and operation time were recorded and compared. Dislocation reduction quality was assessed using the Tornetta and Matta standard, and the Majeed functional score was used to evaluate clinical, imaging, and social function following pelvic injury. Complications were also recorded. Results: The results showed that the radiation exposure frequency was significantly less with 2 fluoroscopes than with a single fluoroscope (21.5 +/- 8.6 and 42.6 +/- 18.3 times, respectively; P<0.001). However, the radiation dose (156.3 +/- 67.2 mGy for 1 fluoroscope and 157.8 +/- 38.2 mGy for 2 fluoroscopes; P>0.05) between the 2 groups was not significantly different. The total operation time was also significantly shorter with 2 fluoroscopic devices than with a single device (35.8 +/- 12.9 and 65.5 +/- 19.7 minutes, respectively; P<0.001). The dislocation reduction quality and Majeed functional score (92.3% and 86.7% for 1 fluoroscope, 93.3% and 84.6% for 2 fluoroscopes, respectively; P>0.05) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups at the final follow-up. Complications, such as pain, superficial infection, restricted squatting, limp, and screw failure, were rarely recorded in either group. Conclusions: The simultaneous application of 2 fluoroscopes is highly appropriate during percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation to treat SIJ dislocation, and can significantly reduce radiation exposure frequency and operation time.

Automated summary

The study found that using 2 fluoroscopic devices for percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation significantly reduces radiation exposure frequency and operation time without increasing radiation dose. There were no significant differences in dislocation reduction quality and functional scores between the two groups during follow-up, and complications were rare in both groups.