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Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: An Overview

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What is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?

The sacroiliac joint, also known as the SI joint, connects the sacrum to the iliac bones of the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical technique used to treat chronic sacroiliac joint pain caused by instability or degeneration in this area. During the procedure, the sacroiliac joint is fused or immobilized using implants, bone grafts or other fixation devices to eliminate pain.

Anatomy of the Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joint is a synovial joint that is located at the connection point between the sacrum and iliac bones at the back of the pelvis. It provides stability and flexibility to the pelvis and lower back. The sacroiliac joints work like shock absorbers during activities that involve walking, running, lifting and bending. Degeneration or injury can lead to excessive motion in the joint, causing friction and inflammation that results in chronic pain.

Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Some common causes that can lead to sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

Traumatic Injury: Direct blunt force trauma or fall from height impacting the pelvis can injure the SI joint.

Degeneration: Repeated stress and wear and tear over years can cause cartilage thinning and swelling in the joint.

Labour Injury: Strenuous childbirth can sometimes injure the SI joint leading to debilitating pain later in life.

Imbalanced Pelvis: One leg being shorter than the other puts abnormal stress on the SI joint.

Obesity: Extra weight puts excessive pressure and stress on the pelvis and lower back.

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The tell-tale symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

– Deep pain around the tailbone, hips or buttocks

– Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or certain movements

– Pain that radiates down the legs

– Stiffness and difficulty walking or climbing stairs

– Numbness or tingling in the buttocks area

– Pain worsens during menstruation

Diagnosing Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Doctors diagnose sacroiliac joint issues through a combination of:

– Physical exam involving specific tests that reproduce pain

– Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and MRI

– Intra-articular SI joint injection to confirm source of pain

– Review of medical history to identify trauma, labour events etc.

Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Conservative treatment options tried initially include:

– Rest and anti-inflammatory medications

– Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen core muscles

– SI joint injections to reduce inflammation

– Bracing or taping for extra support

Surgical Options for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

For those patients who don’t find relief from conservative options, sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, including innovative procedures like SiLO may be considered. The goal is to fuse the bones and eliminate motion at the painful SI joint. Sacroiliac joint fusion devices are implants that are used to fuse or immobilize the sacroiliac joint and treat associated pain caused by conditions like sacroiliitis or degenerative sacroiliac joint syndrome.

CoherentMI explores these devices in more detail in Global Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Market.

Common Surgical Techniques for SI Joint Fusion:

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): Done through small incisions using specialized screws, cages or rods under fluoroscopic guidance. Leads to less tissue disruption and quicker recovery.

Open Surgery: The traditional open approach provides direct visualization but requires larger incisions and longer recovery. Both transverse connectors and lateral mass screws can be used for fixation.

TRIA Sacroiliac Fusion: An advanced MIS technique that uses a triangular implant packed with bone graft to fuse the joint from inside out. Reported high fusion rates.

Post-Operative Care after SI Joint Fusion

After surgery, patients follow a gradual recovery program that involves:

– Restricted activities and pelvis bracing for initial 6-12 weeks

– Physical therapy to regain core strength and mobility

– Close follow-ups to monitor fusion progression on x-rays

– Pain management with medications as needed

– Returning to normal activities in 3-6 months based on healing

Success Rate and Long Term Outcomes

With proper surgical technique and post-op care, sacroiliac joint fusion can provide good to excellent long lasting pain relief in 70-90% of patients. Full or partial fusion is achieved in majority within a year. However, like any fusion surgery, it eliminates natural joint motion which may increase stress on adjacent level.

Market Outlook

The global sacroiliac joint fusion market size is growing steadily driven by factors like rising geriatric population, increasing incidence of degenerative diseases and trauma injuries. North America currently dominates the market owing to technological advancements and availability of reimbursement. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a lucrative region due to growing medical tourism and increasing healthcare investments in countries like India, China and Japan. For more statistical insights into the current and projected market potential, refer to the comprehensive research report by CoherentMI.

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