Our Summary

This paper presents a study on a new procedure for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion surgery, a type of surgery used to treat lower back pain. The study involved using a new type of implant, shaped like a cylinder with threads on it, to fuse the SIJ. This was done using a minimally invasive technique guided by real-time imaging during the surgery.

The study looked at 24 patients who had this surgery between 2015 and 2017. The results showed that the patients had significantly less back pain and leg pain after the surgery. They were also highly satisfied with the results, giving an average satisfaction score of 89%.

The surgery took an average of 53 minutes, with the first half of the cases taking longer than the second half as the surgeon gained more experience with the procedure. The patients lost very little blood during the surgery, making it a safe procedure with good outcomes.

The study concluded that this new procedure for SIJ fusion surgery, using cylindrical threaded implants and guided by real-time imaging, is a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain.

FAQs

  1. What is the new procedure for sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?
  2. What were the outcomes of the study involving the new procedure for sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?
  3. How safe is the new procedure for sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about joint fusion surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support the healing process and prevent future joint issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion surgery are those who have severe joint pain that is not responding to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. Specifically, for SIJ fusion surgery, patients with chronic lower back pain and/or leg pain that is believed to be originating from the SIJ may be recommended for this procedure. Patients who have been diagnosed with SIJ dysfunction or instability, degenerative joint disease, or previous trauma to the SIJ may also be candidates for joint fusion surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo joint fusion surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before joint fusion surgery:

  • Patient experiences chronic lower back pain and possibly leg pain
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and physical exams to determine the cause of the pain
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections to manage the pain
  • If conservative treatments are ineffective, the patient may be recommended for joint fusion surgery

After joint fusion surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive SIJ fusion surgery using cylindrical threaded implants
  • Surgery takes an average of 53 minutes with minimal blood loss
  • Patient experiences significantly less back pain and leg pain after the surgery
  • Patient reports high satisfaction with the results, with an average satisfaction score of 89%
  • Patient undergoes a recovery period with physical therapy and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure proper healing of the fused joint.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about joint fusion surgery include:

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending joint fusion surgery for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time after joint fusion surgery and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for joint fusion surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing joint fusion surgeries, particularly with the specific technique or implant being used?
  7. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?
  8. How long can I expect the results of the joint fusion surgery to last?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or imaging studies after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Rajpal S, Burneikiene S. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2019 Feb;122:e1588-e1591. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.11.116. Epub 2018 Nov 23. PMID: 30476656