Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pin placement in pelvic external fixation: description of a surgical technique and results.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic fracture in trauma patients can lead to hemodynamic instability. External fixation is a treatment capable of stabilizing these injuries in the context of damage control surgery. Supra-acetabular pin offers the greater biomechanical stability but requires the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy. The aim of this study was to analyze our results for an ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pinning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with cadaveric specimens. Ultrasound-guided pin placement assessed by fluoroscopy and dissection.

RESULTS: Fourteen ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pins were placed in seven cadaveric specimens. Excellent placement in all cases, evaluated with radiological control. Good qualitative bone fixation after dissection. One femoral cutaneous nerve was not found during anatomic dissection and was assumed injured.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pin placement is a feasible and effective technique. Our study indicates that pin placement without intraoperative fluoroscopy is feasible without compromising the reliability of its placement.