Are you suffering from lower back pain? It is possible that you may have sacroiliac joint (SI Joint) problems. Like with all spinal and neurosurgical advancements, Atlantic Brain and Spine is committed to pioneering the way for better patient outcomes. Read below to find out more about Sacroiliac Joint anatomy, symptoms, and treatment options including SI Joint Fusions with the iFuse Implant System®.

Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Anatomy

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located in the pelvis; it links the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). It is an essential component for energy transfer between the legs and the torso.

The SI joint is a significant cause of lower back pain. Clinical publications have identified the SI joint as a pain generator in 15-30% of chronic lower back pain patients.3-6 In addition, the SI joint is a pain generator in up to 43% of patients with continued or new onset lower back pain after a lumbar fusion.7

Using the iFuse Implant System at Atlantic Brain and Spine

Dr. Thomas and Dr. Huffmon are trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, including use of the iFuse Implant System® from SI-BONE®, Inc., a medical device company pioneering MIS sacroiliac (SI) joint treatment. The iFuse Implant System is intended for sacroiliac joint fusion for some causes of SI joint pain. SI joint treatment using the patented triangular design of the iFuse ImplantTM has produced unparalleled clinical results. More than thirty published, peer-reviewed articles demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the iFuse Implant.1 The iFuse Implant is the only SI joint fusion device with clinical studies demonstrating that treatment improved pain, patient function, and quality of life.2 There are potential risks associated with the iFuse Implant System. It may not be appropriate for all patients and all patients may not benefit. For information about the risks, visit www.si-bone.com/risks

Do you have SI Joint Problems?

According to scientific data, it’s common for pain from the SI joint to feel like disc or lower back pain. For this reason, SI joint disorders should always be considered in lower back pain diagnosis. 

Do you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below? 

  • Lower backpain
  • Sensation of low extremity: pain, numbness, tingling, weakness 
  • Pelvis/buttock pain 
  • Hip/groin pain
  • Feeling of leg instability (buckling, giving way)
  • Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain
  • Disturbed sitting patterns (unable to sit for long periods, sitting on one side)
  • Pain going from sitting to standing 

Making a Diagnosis

A variety of tests performed during physical examination may help reveal the SI joint as the cause of your symptoms. Sometimes, X-rays, CT-scan or MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of SI joint-related problems. 

Treatment Options

Once the SI joint is confirmed as the cause of your symptoms, treatment can begin. Some patients respond to physical therapy, use of oral medications, or injection therapy. These treatments are often performed repetitively, and frequently symptom improvement using these therapies is temporary. At this point, you and your surgeon may consider other options, including minimally invasive surgery.

SI Joint Fusion with the iFuse Implant System®

The iFuse Implant System is designed to provide stabilization and fusion for certain SI joint disorders. This is accomplished by inserting triangular-shaped titanium implants across the sacroiliac joint to maximize post-surgical stability and weight bearing capacity. The procedure is done through a small incision and takes about an hour. SI joint treatment using the patented triangular design of the iFuse ImplantTM has produced unparalleled clinical results. More than thirty published, peer-reviewed articles demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the iFuse Implant.6 The iFuse Implant is the only SI joint fusion device with multiple clinical studies demonstrating that treatment improved pain, patient function, and quality of life.7

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References

  1. Polly, D.W. et al., Int J Spine Surg. 2016. A list of additional published studies is available at www.si-bone.com/results – Dr. Polly is an investigator on a clinical research study sponsored by SI-BONE. He has no financial interest in SI-BONE. Research was funded by SI-BONE, Inc. 
  2. Duhon, B . et al., Triangular Titanium Implants for Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: 2-Year Follow-Up from a Prospective Multicenter Trial. Int J Spine Surg. 2016;10:Article 13. – Dr. Duhon is a paid consultant of and conducts clinical research for SI-BONE Inc. Research was funded by SI-BONE, Inc. 
  3. Bernard TN, et al. Recognizing specific characteristics of nonspecific low back pain. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987;217:266–80. 
  4. Schwarzer AC, et al. The Sacroiliac Joint in Chronic Low Back Pain. Spine. 1995;20:31–7. 
  5. Maigne JY, et al. Results of Sacroiliac Joint Double Block and Value of Sacroiliac Pain Provocation Tests in 54 Patients with Low Back Pain. Spine. 1996;21:1889–92. 
  6. Sembrano JN, et al. How Often is Low Back Pain Not Coming From The Back? Spine. 2009;34:E27–32. 
  7. DePalma MJ, et al. Etiology of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Having Undergone Lumbar Fusion. Pain Med. 2011;12:732-9.