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BackgroundAccumulating evidence supports the long-term safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF) for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.ObjectiveTo report 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up in patients undergoing SIJF using triangular titanium implants (TTI).MethodsOne hundred and three subjects at 12 centers treated with SIJF using TTI in two prospective clinical trials (NCT01640353 and NCT01681004) were enrolled and followed in the current study (NCT02270203) with clinic visits at 3, 4 and 5 years. CT scans performed at 5 years were compared to prior CT scans (at 1 or 2 years) by an independent radiologist.ResultsCompared to baseline scores, SIJ pain scores at 5 years decreased by a mean of 54 points, disability scores (Oswestry Disability Index) decreased by 26 points, and quality of life scores (EuroQOL-5D time trade-off index) increased by 0.29 points (0–1 scale) (all p<0.0001). Satisfaction rates were high and the proportion of subjects taking opioids decreased from 77% at baseline to 41% at 5-year follow-up. Independent radiographic analysis showed a high rate (98%) of bone apposition to implants on both the sacral and iliac sides of the SI joint, with a high rate of bony bridging (87%) and a low rate of radiolucencies suggestive of loosening (5%).ConclusionA 5-year follow-up showed continued excellent clinical responses in patients with SIJ pain treated with SIJF using triangular titanium implants along with a high rate (88%) of joint fusion.Level of evidenceLevel II.

BackgroundMinimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF) has become an increasingly accepted surgical option for chronic sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, a prevalent cause of unremitting low back/buttock pain.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to report clinical and functional outcomes of SIJF using triangular titanium implants (TTI) in the treatment of chronic SI joint dysfunction due to degenerative sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disruption at 3 years postoperatively.MethodsA total of 103 subjects with SIJ dysfunction at 12 centers were treated with TTI in two prospective clinical trials (NCT01640353 and NCT01681004) and enrolled in this long-term follow-up study (NCT02270203). Subjects were evaluated in study clinics at study start and again at 3, 4, and 5 years.ResultsMean (SD) preoperative SIJ pain score was 81.5, and mean preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 56.3. At 3 years, mean pain SIJ pain score decreased to 26.2 (a 55-point improvement from baseline, p<0.0001). At 3 years, mean ODI was 28.2 (a 28-point improvement from baseline, p<0.0001). In all, 82% of subjects were very satisfied with the procedure at 3 years. EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) time trade-off index improved by 0.30 points (p<0.0001). No adverse events definitely related to the study device or procedure were reported; one subject underwent revision surgery at year 3.7. SIJ pain contralateral to the originally treated side occurred in 15 subjects of whom four underwent contralateral SIJF. The proportion of subjects who were employed outside the home full- or part-time at 3 years decreased somewhat from baseline (p=0.1814), and the proportion of subjects who would have the procedure again was lower at 3 years compared to earlier time points.ConclusionIn long-term (3-year) follow-up, minimally invasive trans-iliac SIJF with TTI was associated with improved pain, disability, and quality of life with relatively high satisfaction rates.Level of evidenceLevel II.Clinical relevanceSIJF with TTI.

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Revision of spinal cord stimulators is usually a safe procedure. However, placement of an electrode within the spinal cord during the revision process is a potential complication resulting in severe neurologic injury.