Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical technique called the Bedrock technique which is used to fuse the sacroiliac joint in the spine during major spinal surgery. This technique involves the use of special titanium rods and screws, which are inserted into a specific part of the pelvis. The study looked at the positioning of these rods and screws during surgery, as incorrect positioning can require adjustments during the operation.

In the initial 21 cases using this technique, the researchers found that about 7.1% of the time, the rods were not positioned correctly and needed to be adjusted. The study then expanded to include more cases to see if there was a learning curve or ways to reduce the rate of incorrect positioning.

After reviewing 43 cases performed between May 2019 and May 2021, the researchers discovered that the rate of incorrect positioning of the rods dropped to 4.7%. No screws were positioned incorrectly. All incorrect positioning of the rods happened in the same direction.

The researchers suggest there might be a learning curve involved with this technique, as the rate of incorrect positioning decreased over time. They also found that positioning the rods as low as possible in the pelvic area seemed to reduce the risk of incorrect positioning.

Overall, patients showed significant improvement one year after surgery. The researchers concluded that while the Bedrock technique poses certain technical challenges due to the specific area of the pelvis it’s performed in, it can be effectively learned and improved upon with practice.

FAQs

  1. What is the Bedrock technique used for in spinal surgery?
  2. What was the result of the research study on the positioning of rods and screws in the Bedrock technique?
  3. How did the researchers suggest to reduce the risk of incorrect positioning in the Bedrock technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about joint fusion is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including attending physical therapy sessions and avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the fused joint. This will help ensure successful healing and recovery after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion, specifically sacroiliac joint fusion using the Bedrock technique, are those with severe sacroiliac joint dysfunction or instability. This may include patients with chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint degeneration, or sacroiliac joint disruption. These patients may have failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or medications and are in need of a surgical solution to stabilize the joint and alleviate pain. Additionally, patients who have undergone major spinal surgery and require sacroiliac joint fusion as part of their treatment plan may also be recommended for this procedure.

Timeline

Before joint fusion surgery, a patient typically experiences chronic pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities due to joint degeneration or injury. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections without success.

After joint fusion surgery, the patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which is managed with pain medications. They will gradually begin physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the fused joint. Over time, the patient should experience reduced pain and improved function as the joint heals and fuses together. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will monitor progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about joint fusion using the Bedrock technique include:

  1. How experienced are you in performing the Bedrock technique for joint fusion?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgical technique?
  3. How long is the recovery process after joint fusion using the Bedrock technique?
  4. What type of post-operative care and physical therapy will be required?
  5. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of joint fusion using the Bedrock technique in terms of pain relief and improved function?
  7. How will you ensure that the rods and screws are positioned correctly during the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical techniques available for joint fusion?
  9. Will I need additional surgeries or procedures in the future after undergoing joint fusion using the Bedrock technique?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for my joint health after undergoing this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Hendricks CJ, Haselhuhn JJ, Soriano PBO, Longhurst JT, Martin CT, Sembrano JN, Hendrickson NR, Jones KE, Polly DW. Journal: Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Jul 23;35(1):317. doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04431-0. PMID: 40699381