Suggestions for Introducing Some New Terms in Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery

Abstract

Background. The rapid advancement of modern surgical methods for treating pelvic bone fractures has underscored the necessity for developing a new terminological framework. This is because the classical anatomical terminology of the pelvis no longer aligns with the demands of the therapeutic process and scientific research in this field. The traditional set of anatomical names and landmarks falls short in providing detailed descriptions of all intricacies of injuries when employing contemporary surgical techniques. The existing terminology system needs to catch up with the level of contemporary pelvic surgery, enabling a comprehensive and understandable characterization of existing pathology and the treatment being administered for all medical professionals. Purpose of the study was to create names for certain parts of the pelvic bones and their areas that currently lack specific designations and to propose the developed terms for professional discussion. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on X-rays and computer tomography scans of patients with pelvic bone injuries, performed from 2020 to 2022. A list of potential new anatomical terms was compiled through a literature review. Results. In several cases, we encountered a deficiency of terms in diagnosing pelvic injuries and describing surgical procedures. New terms were developed to denote areas of the pelvis and their injuries, including the pubic bone base, vertical fractures of the pubic bone base, longitudinal fractures of the pubic bone base, incomplete rupture of the pubic symphysis, the base of the ilium, longitudinal fracture of the iliac base, fracture-subluxation and fracture-dislocation of the iliac base, calcar of the iliac bone, calcar spike, and the bone corridor. Conclusions. The incorporation of new anatomical terms into clinical practice will help enhance the precision of diagnosis and surgical planning in pelvic fractures. Standardizing the terminology will promote uniformity in approaches and knowledge sharing among specialists, ultimately improving the quality of surgical care for patients with pelvic injuries.