Relationship between foot length and the inter anterior superior iliac distance.

Abstract

Reduction of unstable pelvic fracture by external fixator might be over or under corrected as there is no proper estimation from the surgical landmark. Radiographic evaluation after reduction must be carried out and improper reduction is found in a certain number. To find a better guide by normal surgical landmark the study was carried out as a survey research in 600 volunteers aged from 10 to 70 years. Simple caliper and tape were used to measure the height, foot length and inter anterior superior iliac spine distance. In 376/420 male volunteers (89%), the length between right heel and tip of the fourth toe was equal to the inter anterior superior iliac spine distance. In 173/180 female volunteers (96%), the length between right heel and tip of big toe was equal to the inter anterior superior iliac spine distance. The length of the right foot can be used as a reference in reducing unstable fractured pelvis by external fixation. These data were used in the management of 36 patients with unstable fractured pelvis with external fixation for reduction and stabilization. All had good results.