Fig. 3

The details of the fractures were shown in the three-dimensional skeleton-arterial model. a, b The fracture characteristics and skeleton-arterial spatial relationships could be evaluated through different angles. The morphological observation, classification, and surgical approach were developed. c, d The superior gluteal artery was surrounded by several fracture fragments, and the sciatic notch was ruptured and rotated. Reduction of the sciatic notch was the key point in the surgical procedure (yellow star). However, simultaneous reduction of the sciatic notch and protection of the superior gluteal artery was not possible. We could not find a way to protect this artery in the preoperative plan; therefore, the need for ligation was determined intraoperatively. The free fragments were connected to the pelvis with a connecting rod to avoid changes in the spatial position (yellow arrow)