Additional Supporting Evidence

A single-center, retrospective study of 208 patients receiving the LinQ procedure with pre-operative mapping of patient anatomy. The study demonstrated a significant mean pain improvement of 84% and a decrease of opioid consumption of 51.8% at the mean final follow-up of 18 months.

A single-arm, prospective, pilot study assessing gait characteristics on 10 patients who underwent the LinQ procedure 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 receiving the LinQ procedure.  Results identified a mean VAS score reduction from 8.26 at baseline to 2.71 (67%) 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.

The study includes a total of 7 patients who underwent LinQ posterior SIJ fusion who had previously undergone lateral SIJ fusion. Results showed significant reductions in pain scores and opioid consumption, which suggests that the LinQ procedure may be a viable treatment option to salvage pain relief in those with failed lateral SIJ fusion 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.

The LinQ procedure 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.

By synthesizing existing literature, the article provides a clearer algorithm that facilitates accurate diagnosis and effective management of SIJ dysfunction, improving patient care and outcomes. While conservative measures remain first-line treatments, interventional techniques and minimally invasive surgical options are viable for patients with persistent symptoms.

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.