Thirty adult dry-bone ilium specimens were used in conjunction with computer analysis to determine the average articular contact area between the sacrum and ilium at the sacroiliac joint. Simulating an unstable pelvic injury, the sacroiliac joint was displaced in three directions by moving the ilium posteriorly, superiorly, and posterosuperiorly. After each displacement, the contact area between the sacrum and ilium at the sacroiliac joint was calculated. The data showed that the average articular surface area of the male sacroiliac joint (1138.3 mm p 2 ) was approximately 12.8% greater than the average surface area of the female sacroiliac joint (992.5 mm p 2 ). The average articular contact area between the sacrum and ilium at the sacroiliac joint was lowest with the ilium displaced posterosuperiorly compared to equal displacements superiorly or posteriorly. This study quantitatively illustrated the loss of contact surface area between the sacrum and ilium during various displacements of the ilium, thus indicating the clinical cross-section area available for open reduction and internal fixation or fusion.

The anterior tibialis is a relatively easy flap to use for covering anterior tibial open wounds. The high rate of nonunion seems related more to the injury than to the coverage technique.

This study is a retrospective review of the charts and radiographs of sixty-seven patients treated with posterior lateral mass plating and iliac crest bone grafting in the cervical spine with the Roy-Camille technique. The goal of the study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the Roy-Camille technique for screw placement in the cervical spine. All patients went on to develop a solid fusion. Sixty-one patients out of 67 (91.0%) with incomplete cord injuries improved at least one Frankel grade. Complications consisted of 3/67 wound infections, 1/67 deep wound infection and 2/67 superficial wound infection; neither requiring hardware removal. One patient with osteoporosis developed a loose screw. There were no patients with neurologic compromise or vascular injury related to the Roy-Camille technique. This study supports the Roy-Camille technique as being a safe and effective method of acquiring posterior cervical fusion.