Affiliations: Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Germany
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Rahel Bornemann, Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. Tel.: +49 228 287; Fax: +49 228 287; E-mail:rahel.bornemann@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) syndrome can cause various
symptoms and may also be one reason for persistent low back pain, especially
in patients with prior spinal fusions. If conservative treatments fail to
improve symptoms, arthrodesis surgery can be considered. Minimally invasive
approaches have emerged recently providing a good alternative to
conventional methods. A novel triangular implant system (iFuse) can achieve
an arthrodesis of the SIJ without the use of additional screws or bone
material. OBJECTIVE: Aim of the present study was an evaluation of
short-term safety and efficacy of the implant system. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were included in the study and treated
with the iFuse system. In addition to demographic data, pain intensity
(visual analogue scale) and functional impairment (Oswestry-disability
index) were assessed prior to surgery and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12
months and 24 months thereafter. During surgery and the follow up period all
adverse events were documented and the correct implant position was
controlled via plain radiographs. RESULTS: VAS scores and ODI improved significantly directly
after surgery from 84.3 ± 9.2 mm to 40.7 ± 9.2 mm and from 76.8
± 9.2% to 40.7 ± 9.2 % (p < 0.001). The ODI improved
further to 31 ± 5.4% after 24 months whereas the VAS improved until
the 3 months examination and ten stayed constant between 27.7 mm and 26.5 mm
to 27 ± 6.6 mm at 24 months. No adverse events, intraoperative
complications, implant malpositioning or loosening could be recorded at any time. CONCLUSIONS: The iFuse system is an effective and safe
treatment for minimally invasive surgical arthrodesis of the SIJ. Pain and
functional impairment can be significantly improved. However, in addition to
this case series, further controlled studies are necessary, particularly in
terms of a previous spinal fusion history.
