Perioperative Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Sacroilliac Joint Fusion Using Hollow Screws Through a Lateral Approach: A Single Surgeon Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of lower back pain and a significant source of disability in the United States. There is no consensus on the best surgical treatment for SIJ pain that is not responsive to conservative therapy. Minimally invasive fusion of the SIJ using hollow fenestrated screws from a lateral trajectory is a newer technique for SIJ fusion. This study presents perioperative and patient-reported outcomes amongst 62 patients who underwent SIJ fixation with hollow fenestrated screws. We find that mean disability on the Oswestry disability index improved from 52.2% to 34.9% at one-year post-op. Mean operative time was 34±9 minutes and blood loss was 22±35ml. Only six patients required overnight hospitalization. There were two cases of complications requiring operative intervention. We conclude that SIJ fixation using hollow fenestrated screws is a safe and effective procedure for the fixation of the SIJ. Further investigation is warranted to determine the best surgical treatment for SIJ pain.