Minimally Invasive Inferior Intra-Articular Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: Successful Application of Osseous Stabilization...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Fusion Techniques
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain often requires surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail.
• Minimally invasive SIJ fusion aims for immediate joint stabilization and osseous consolidation.
• Accurate surgical technique is crucial to avoid neurovascular structures during SIJ procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the inferior, intra-articular approach for minimally invasive SIJ fusion.
• To assess clinical outcomes and patient-reported pain reduction following the procedure.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center registry of 57 patients undergoing minimally invasive SIJ fusion using the inferior, intra-articular approach.
• Allograft bone placement within the articular portion of the SIJ, secured in a mortise and tenon fashion.
• Implant positioning perpendicular to the S1 endplate, near the sacral axis of rotation.

Main Results:

• Uniform and statistically significant improvement in all clinical outcomes (p < 0.001).
• Average reduction in back pain severity from 6.8 to 3.8 at 6 months post-surgery.
• Demonstrated effective stabilization and bone-implant interface contact.

Conclusions:

• The inferior, intra-articular approach for SIJ fusion is a safe and effective surgical option.
• This technique provides significant pain relief and functional improvement for patients with chronic SIJ pain.
• Further long-term follow-up studies are warranted to confirm sustained benefits.