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Anterior internal fixator versus a femoral distractor and external fixation for sacroiliac joint compression and single stance gait testing: a mechanical study in synthetic bone

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and compressive forces across the sacroiliac (SI) joint of an anterior internal fixator compared to the femoral distractor and external fixator for vertically unstable pelvic fractures.

Methods

Five composite pelvises with a simulated APC type III injury fixed with a femoral distractor, external fixator, or anterior internal fixator were tested. A pressure-sensitive film (Tekscan) was placed in the disrupted SI joint recording the magnitude of force. Then, in a single-leg stance model (Instron machine), a load was applied through the sacrum. We recorded displacement at the pubic symphysis and SI joint using high-speed video. Peak load and displacement were measured, and axial stiffness was calculated. Values were compared using a Student’s t-test (p < 0.05).

Results

The SI joint was compressed significantly (p < 0.001) more using the anterior internal fixator (18.9 N) and femoral distractor (18.6 N) than the two-pin external fixator (2.5 N). There was no significant difference between the anterior internal fixator and the femoral distractor in displacement at the SI joint. The pubic symphysis displaced less with the femoral distractor than the anterior internal fixator (5.5 mm vs. 4.1 mm; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The anterior pedicle screw internal fixator allows for indirect compression across the sacroiliac joint that is superior to two-pin external fixation and comparable to the femoral distractor. The anterior internal fixator may be an option for temporary anterior pelvic fixation in situations where external fixation or the femoral distractor have otherwise been used.

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Conflict of interest

Ther authors declare that they have no conflict of interest in the preparation of this publication. We also declare that Dr. Vaidya has received payment for lectures from AO Trauma and Synthes Trauma for teaching courses; Dr. Vaidya has received payments for consulting with Stryker Corporation for implant development; and Dr. Vaidya is involved in developing an FDA approved product for Stryker Corporation which is not this fixator that is made from custom spinal implants.

The institution of the authors has received funding from Synthes for the testing materials used in this study through a research grant.The FDA has not approved the devices used for the purposes described in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Surgery, Detroit Medical Center, 4D4 University Health Center, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, Amanda O. Esquivel & Rahul Vaidya

  2. Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, 818 W. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Xin Jin & King H. Yang

Authors
  1. Jonathan M. Vigdorchik
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  2. Amanda O. Esquivel
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  3. Xin Jin
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  4. King H. Yang
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  5. Rahul Vaidya
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rahul Vaidya.

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Vigdorchik, J.M., Esquivel, A.O., Jin, X. et al. Anterior internal fixator versus a femoral distractor and external fixation for sacroiliac joint compression and single stance gait testing: a mechanical study in synthetic bone. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 37, 1341–1346 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-1890-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-1890-9

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