Experimental and numerical assessment of two reconstructive techniques for the fragility fractures of the pelvis type Ia

Anterior pelvic ring fractures are common in geriatric patients. The Supraacetabular External Fixator (SEF) is a relatively simple and effective surgical procedure. On the other hand, there is the option of a Subcutaneous Iliopubic Plate (SIP) osteosynthesis. Only limited comparative biomechanical data of these two devices are available. Therefore, this biomechanical study’s objective was to compare the stabilizing effect of the SEF versus the SIP in a model of Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis (FFP) type Ia. A test stand for pelvic biomechanics testing that emulates the gait loading cycle with physiological relevance was used. The osteotomy on the right pelvic ring was stabilized either with the SEF or the SIP. Strain gauges were used to measure strain in the pelvic ring. The osteotomy’s spatial interfragmentary displacement (SID) was monitored using a 3D digital image correlation system. The SEF stabilization reduced the SID by approximately 10%, whereas the locking SIP could reduce displacement by about 62%. Additionally, the SIP reduced the stress/strain levels by 67% in the posterior pelvic ring. We could demonstrate that the SIP is superior to SEF in treating FFP type Ia as it significantly reduced the osteotomy’s SID and the strain in the posterior pelvic ring