Researchers led by Daniel J. Cher, MD, of San Jose, Calif.-based SI-BONE, studied the outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion with titanium implants compared to patients who received nonsurgical care, according to Newswise. Neurosurgery published the study.
The study analyzed 141 patients with back pain from SIJ complications. The patients reported an average score of 82 out of 100 for pain before treatment. Two-third of the group underwent surgery, while the other one-third received nonsurgical care like steroid injections. Follow-ups were conducted at one, three, six and 12 months following treatment.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Of the patients who underwent surgery, 81 percent reported satisfaction.
2. Of the patients who received nonsurgical care, 26 percent reported satisfaction.
3. The surgical group reported pain scores of 30 out of 100 compared to 72 out of 100 for the nonsurgical group.
4. One year postop, the surgical patients reported continual decreases in pain.
5. Researchers concluded surgery may benefit people with sacroiliac joint pain.