Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at whether a surgical procedure known as sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF) is effective in reducing lower back pain (LBP) that originates from the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) - a joint in the pelvis. This is important because it’s estimated that in 15-30% of patients, LBP actually comes from the SIJ, not the lumbar spine (lower part of the spine) as commonly thought.

The researchers carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis - they gathered and analysed results from multiple previous studies on this topic. The studies they reviewed measured the effectiveness of SIJF using several outcome scales, including the VAS pain scale, ODI (a measure of disability due to back pain), SF-36 PCS/MCS (measures of physical and mental health), and the Majeed score (a measure of the severity of pelvic pain).

After reviewing and analysing the data from six studies, the researchers concluded that SIJF appears to be a good treatment option for reducing pain in the pelvic girdle. This was based on significant improvements in all the outcome measures they used.

FAQs

  1. What is sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF) and why is it important?
  2. How did the researchers determine the effectiveness of SIJF in reducing lower back pain?
  3. What were the findings of the study on the effectiveness of SIJF?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about joint fusion is to follow a proper rehabilitation program after the surgery to ensure optimal healing and recovery. This may include physical therapy, exercises to improve strength and flexibility, and following any post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. It’s important to be patient and allow time for the fusion to fully heal, as rushing the recovery process can lead to complications. Remember to communicate any concerns or pain to your doctor throughout the recovery process for proper guidance and support.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion are those who have chronic lower back pain originating from the sacroiliac joint and have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. These patients may have a diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis, and may experience symptoms such as pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and groin, as well as difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, patients who have failed previous surgeries or interventions for sacroiliac joint pain may also be candidates for joint fusion.

Timeline

Before joint fusion:

  1. Patient experiences chronic lower back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm that the pain is originating from the sacroiliac joint.
  3. Patient and healthcare provider discuss the option of surgical intervention, specifically sacroiliac joint fusion.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations for the surgery.

After joint fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure for sacroiliac joint fusion, which involves fusing the joint together using bone grafts or implants.
  2. Patient goes through a post-operative recovery period, which may include physical therapy and pain management.
  3. Patient experiences a gradual reduction in lower back pain and improvement in function as the joint heals and stabilizes.
  4. Patient follows up with healthcare provider for monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of the surgery in reducing pain and improving quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of sacroiliac joint fusion in reducing lower back pain?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery period after sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?

  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for sacroiliac joint fusion?

  5. How long do the effects of sacroiliac joint fusion typically last?

  6. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?

  7. What can I expect in terms of pain management following the procedure?

  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications that I should make post-surgery to support the healing process?

  10. What is the overall success rate of sacroiliac joint fusion in improving quality of life for patients with lower back pain originating from the sacroiliac joint?

Reference

Authors: Lingutla KK, Pollock R, Ahuja S. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2016 Jun;25(6):1924-31. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4490-8. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 26957096