Aims. We compared the accuracy, operating time and radiation exposure
of the introduction of iliosacral screws using O-arm/Stealth Navigation
and standard fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods. Iliosacral screws were introduced percutaneously into the first
sacral body (S1) of ten human cadavers, four men and six women.
The mean age was 77 years (58 to 85). Screws were introduced using
a standard technique into the left side of S1 using C-Arm fluoroscopy
and then into the right side using O-Arm/Stealth Navigation. The
radiation was measured on the surgeon by dosimeters placed under
a lead thyroid shield and apron, on a finger, a hat and on the cadavers. Results. There were no neuroforaminal breaches in either group. The set-up
time for the O-Arm was significantly longer than for the C-Arm,
while total time for placement of the screws was significantly shorter
for the O-Arm than for the C-Arm (p = 0.001). The mean absorbed
radiation dose during fluoroscopy was 1063 mRad (432.5 mRad to 4150
mRad). No radiation was detected on the surgeon during fluoroscopy,
or when he left the room during the use of the O-Arm. The mean radiation
detected on the cadavers was significantly higher in the O-Arm group
(2710 mRem standard deviation (. sd. ) 1922) than during fluoroscopy
(11.9 mRem . sd 14.8). (p <
0.01). Conclusion. O-Arm/Stealth Navigation allows for faster percutaneous placement
of iliosacral screws in a radiation-free environment for surgeons,
albeit with the same accuracy and significantly more radiation exposure
to cadavers, when compared with standard fluoroscopy. Take home message: Placement of iliosacral screws with O-Arm/Stealth
Navigation can be performed safely and effectively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:696–702