J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Oct;48(4):347-353.

A Mid-Term Follow-Up Result of Spinopelvic Fixation Using Iliac Screws for Lumbosacral Fusion

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. scrhim@amc.seoul.kr
  • 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Service, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, USA.
  • 4Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bohun Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract


OBJECTIVE
Iliac screw fixation has been used to prevent premature loosening of sacral fixation and to provide more rigid fixation of the sacropelvic unit. We describe our technique for iliac screw placement and review our experience with this technique.
METHODS
Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent spinopelvic fixation using iliac screws were enrolled. The indications for spinopelvic fixation included long segment fusions for spinal deformity and post-operative flat-back syndrome, symptomatic pseudoarthrosis of previous lumbosacral fusions, high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral tumors, and sacral fractures. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using plain radiographs, and computed tomographic scans. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and questionnaire about buttock pain.
RESULTS
The median follow-up period was 33 months (range, 13-54 months). Radiographic fusion across the lumbosacral junction was obtained in all 13 patients. The average pre- and post-operative ODI scores were 40.0 and 17.5, respectively. The questionnaire for buttock pain revealed the following: 9 patients (69%) perceived improvement; 3 patients (23%) reported no change; and 1 patient (7.6%) had aggravation of pain. Two patients complained of prominence of the iliac hardware. The complications included one violation of the greater sciatic notch and one deep wound infection.
CONCLUSION
Iliac screw fixation is a safe and valuable technique that provides added structural support to S1 screws in long-segment spinal fusions. Iliac screw fixation is an extensive surgical procedure with potential complications, but high success rates can be achieved when it is performed systematically and in appropriately selected patients.

Keyword

Spinopelvic fixation; Iliac screws; Lumbosacral fusion; Outcome; Complication

MeSH Terms

Buttocks
Congenital Abnormalities
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Pseudarthrosis
Surveys and Questionnaires
Spinal Fusion
Spondylolisthesis
Wound Infection
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