• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2018

Objective : Among the various sacropelvic fixation methods, S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw fixation has several advantages compared to conventional iliac wing screw. However, the placement of S2AI screw still remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technique of free hand S2AI screw insertion using a K-wire and cannulated screw, and to evaluate the accuracy of the technique. Methods : S2AI screw was inserted by free hand technique in sixteen consecutive patients without any fluoroscopic guidance. The gearshift was advanced to make a pilot hole passing through the sacroiliac joint and directing the anterior inferior iliac spine. A K-wire was placed through the pilot hole. After introducing a cannulated tapper along with the K-wire, a cannulated S2AI screw was installed over the K-wire. Results : Thirty-three S2AI screws were placed in sixteen consecutive patients. Thirty-two screws were cannulated screws, and one screw was a conventional non-cannulated screw. Thirty out of 32 (93.8%) cannulated screws were accurately positioned, whereas two cannulated screws and one non-cannulated screw violated lateral cortex of the ilium. Conclusion : The technique using K-wire and cannulated screw can provide accurate placement of free hand S2AI screw.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.578-581
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• 2015

A rigid spino-pelvic fixation to anchor long constructs is crucial to maintain the stability of long fusion in spinal deformity surgery. Besides obtaining immediate stability and proper biomechanical strength of constructs, the S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screws have some more advantages. Four Korean fresh-frozen human cadavers were procured. Free hand S2AI screw placement is performed using anatomic landmarks. The starting point of the S2AI screw is located at the midpoint between the S1 and S2 foramen and 2 mm medial to the lateral sacral crest. Gearshift was advanced from the desired starting point toward the sacro-iliac joint directing approximately $20^{\circ}$ angulation caudally in sagittal plane and $30^{\circ}$ angulation horizontally in the coronal plane connecting the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). We made a S2AI screw trajectory through the cancellous channel using the gearshift. We measured caudal angle in the sagittal plane and horizontal angle in the coronal plane. A total of eight S2AI screws were inserted in four cadavers. All screws inserted into the iliac crest were evaluated by C-arm and naked eye examination by two spine surgeons. Among 8 S2AI screws, all screws were accurately placed (100%). The average caudal angle in the sagittal plane was $17.3{\pm}5.4^{\circ}$. The average horizontal angle in the coronal plane connecting the PSIS was $32.0{\pm}1.8^{\circ}$. The placement of S2AI screws using the free hand technique without any radiographic guidance appears to an acceptable method of insertion without more radiation or time consuming.