Sacroiliac joint pain after spinal fusion surgery

Abstract

Background context: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has drawn more attention lately as a potential cause of chronic or acute discomfort following lumbar/lumbosacral fusion. Misdiagnosis of SIJ syndrome, iliac crest bone grafting, or increased mechanical strain could be the underlying pathophysiology of SIJ pain. Patients with lumbar/lumbosacral fusion exhibit more frequent degeneration of the SIJ compared to those without such fusion, according to imaging studies. Injection studies have demonstrated that in a significant majority of patients following fusion surgery, lingering symptoms are brought on by SIJ pain. A large proportion of patients who underwent prior lumbar/lumbosacral fusion or surgery are included in recent articles discussing the surgical results of SIJ fusion. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess sacroiliac joint pain after lumbosacral fusion. Conclusion: well-controlled clinical trials are required to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment. In light of these findings, patients with failed back surgery syndrome following lumbar/lumbosacral fusion should be evaluated for the possibility that their SIJ is the cause of their discomfort.