Reformatting of Computed Tomography Scans Parallel to the S1 End Plate Increases Visualization of Trans Sacral Pathway in the First Sacral Segment, Especially With Dysmorphism

Objective: To determine whether reformatted computed tomography (CT) scans would increase surgeons' confidence in placing a trans sacral (TS) screw in the first sacral segment. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Patients/Participants: There were 50 patients with uninjured pelvises who were reviewed by 9 orthopaedic trauma fellowship-trained surgeons and 5 orthopaedic residents. Main Outcome Measurements: The overall percentage of surgeons who believe it was safe to place a TS screw in the first sacral segment with standard (axial cuts perpendicular to the scanner gantry) versus reformatted (parallel to the S1 end plate) CT scans. Results: Overall, 58% of patients were believed to have a safe corridor in traditional cut axial CT scans, whereas 68% were believed to have a safe corridor on reformatted CT scans (P
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research