The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) as a source of symptoms has been controversial; however, as knowledge about the joint increased, its role as a pain generator in patients complaining of symptoms that are often attributed to spinal pathology has become better appreciated. The literature reports that the SIJ is the pain origin in as many as 30% of patients presenting with low back pain. Clinically, the SIJ can be challenging to evaluate; however, assessing pain location, patient posture/movement, and provocative manual testing are useful in making the presumptive diagnosis of SIJ disruption. The most definitive evaluation is image-guided injection of anesthetic solutions into the joint which is diagnostic if there is at least 75% symptom relief acutely. Treatment begins with nonoperative intervention including physical therapy and/or chiropractic care. If these fail, the next option is generally radiofrequency denervation (rhizotomy) of the joint. If this does not provide adequate relief, surgical intervention, in the form of minimally invasive SIJ fusion may be considered. The literature increasingly supports favorable results of SIJ fusion in appropriately selected patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on the SIJ, with focus on its surgical treatment.

This review did not reveal any methods for the prediction of progression in AIS that could be recommended for clinical use as diagnostic criteria.

Object Axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) is a novel minimally invasive approach for fusion of L4–5 and L5–S1. This technique uses the presacral space for percutaneous access to the anterior sacrum. The AxiaLIF procedure has the potential to decrease patient recovery time, length of hospital stay, and overall occurrence of surgical complications. It can be used alone or in combination with minimally invasive or traditional open fusion procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications of the AxiaLIF procedure at the authors' institutions. Methods Patients who underwent AxiaLIF surgery between October 2005 and June 2009 at the authors' institutions were identified. The authors retrospectively reviewed these patients' charts, including operative reports and postoperative medical records, to determine what complications were encountered. Results A total of 68 patients underwent AxiaLIF surgery, with an average follow-up time of 34 months. Sixteen patients (23.5%) experienced a total of 18 complications (26.5%); this group included 8 men and 8 women (mean age 52.1 years). These complications included pseudarthrosis (8.8%), superficial infection (5.9%), sacral fracture (2.9%), pelvic hematoma (2.9%), failure of wound closure (1.5%), transient nerve root irritation (1.5%), and rectal perforation (2.9%). Conclusions The complication rate associated with AxiaLIF in the present study was relatively low (26.5%). The most common complications were superficial infection and pseudarthrosis. There were 2 cases of rectal perforation associated with AxiaLIF; one case was found intraoperatively and the other presented 4 days postoperatively. Both patients underwent emergency repair by a general surgeon and had no long-term sequelae as a result of the rectal injuries. It is important for surgeons to be aware of the potential for these complications. Many of these complications can probably be avoided with proper patient selection and operative planning. Preoperative MR imaging, a detailed patient physical examination and history, full bowel preparation, and the use of live fluoroscopy can all help to prevent complications with AxiaLIF surgery.