Triangular titanium implants for sacroiliac joint fusion

Background Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is an underdiagnosed condition. Several published cohorts have reported favorable midterm outcomes after SIJ fusion using titanium implants placed across the SIJ. Herein, we report 12-month follow-up from SIJ fusion in a standard clinic setting. Methods A carefully selected group of 160 consecutive patients with painful SIJ dysfunction were diagnosed at a single center and underwent unilateral or staged bilateral SIJ fusion using triangular titanium implants. Patients were routinely seen in clinic for follow-up every 3 months where they completed visual analog scale (0–10 range) pain ratings and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Follow-up CT scan was performed at 1 year. Results Mean patient age was 58 years, and 68% were women. 30% underwent staged bilateral SIJ fusion. By month 12, SIJ pain decreased from 8.0 to 2.5 ( p < 0.0001) and disability (ODI) decreased from 45.3 to 16.4 ( p < 0.0001). The proportion with clinically significant improvements in SIJ pain and ODI was high (> 95%). Perioperative adverse events were mild and decreased with increasing surgical experience with the procedure. Subgroup analysis showed slightly smaller improvements in those undergoing bilateral surgery and those with a spinal cord stimulator in place. CT scan at 1 year showed reabsorption along one or more implants in 16% of cases, but there were no breakages or implant removals. Conclusions In standard clinical practice, SIJ fusion with triangular titanium implants produces significant improvement in pain and disability related to SIJ dysfunction. Graphical abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.