Additional Supporting Evidence

A single-arm, prospective, pilot study assessing gait characteristics on 10 patients who underwent LinQ posterior SIJ fusion by PainTEQ. Results demonstrated that average gait velocity improved significantly by 55.4% at 6 months. Gait speed, gait variability, and gait symmetry showed improvement, accompanied by a significant decrease in fall risk. This study marks a groundbreaking, first-ever objective evaluation of gait in patients who have undergone minimally invasive posterior SI joint fusion.

An independent investigator-initiated retrospective analysis of 43 patients identified a mean VAS score reduction from 8.26 at baseline to 2.71 at 12 months and a statistically significant reduction in medication usage. No adverse events occurred.

At 6 months, a mean improvement of 34.9 was identified by a reduction in VAS and functional improvement was demonstrated by a mean reduction in ODI of 17.7. The posterior single-point transfixation is safe and efficacious for the treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction with statistical improvements in pain and function.

A total of 7 patients who had undergone lateral SIJ fusion were included in the study and underwent posterior SIJ fusion. We were able to show significant reductions in pain scores and opioid consumption, which suggests that minimally invasive posterior SIJ fusion using LinQ may be a viable treatment option to salvage pain relief in those with failed lateral SIJ devices. The mean patient-reported pain improvement following posterior fusion was 80%, with an average follow-up time of 10 months. Median morphine milliequivalents were 20 pre-procedure and 0 post-procedure.

LinQ by PainTEQ provides a multifaceted mechanism for stabilizing the SI joint. First, by the reduction of the total range of motion in all planes of motion; second, by shifting the centers of the instantaneous axis of rotation towards the implant’s location in the predominant plane of motion. This combination minimizes movement at the implantation site, fostering osteointegration and fusion in the area.

SIJ fusion is a rapidly growing and evolving therapy with developing evidence to support its safety and efficacy. In the setting of a desired surgical outcome, safety and efficacy can be adversely impacted by poor post-operative care. The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience has created this best practice document in an effort to improve and standardize care in this critical time of patient recovery.

The diagnosis of SIJ pain is a multifaceted process that involves a careful assessment, including differentiating other pain generators in the region. This involves careful history-taking, appropriate physical examination, including provocative maneuvers, and diagnostic injections. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, long-term solutions may be considered, including recent advances in sacral lateral branch denervation and sacroiliac joint fusion.

We have created a clearer diagnostic and treatment pathway to establish an algorithm for patients that can include conservative measures and interventional techniques once the diagnosis is identified.

While the quantity of evidence is currently more robust with the lateral approach given its preexistence, available studies suggest that that the posterior approach has at least similar efficacy with a lower risk profile

While the lateral or transiliac approach has been well published, the posterior and posterior oblique approach has been recently introduced as an alternative means of stabilization of the SIJ. Preliminary case series presented reveal consistent decreases in pain scores and low complication rates.