Abstract
Because of the difficulty in obtaining a fusion across the lumbosacral junction, special consideration must be given to obtain adequate sacral fixation. Options include anteromedial (pedicle) or anterolateral (alar) screws at the S1. Alternatively, screws can be placed in the S2 region, although these screws are only viewed as adjuncts to other points of sacral fixation. Bone quality, purchase of cortical bone, and screw length all influence the strength of a construct, with bicortical purchase in the S1 pedicle identified as the best option in multiple load-to-failure tests. Surgeons must remember, however, that the added fixation afforded with bicortical placement of screws must be balanced with the added risk of neurovascular injury.
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McCall, T., Fassett, D., Dailey, A. (2010). Sacral Screw Fixation. In: Patel, V., Burger, E., Brown, C. (eds) Spine Trauma. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-03694-1_29
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