Fusion treatment of sacroiliac joint related low-back pain
Low-back pain is a highly prevalent condition affecting a large portion of the adult population in industrialised countries [1]; however, while low-back pain is extremely common, the diagnosis of the underlying cause of the pain is challenging. Scientific research has identified sacroiliac joint disease as the reason for low-back pain accounting for 10–30 per cent of cases [2,3]. Among the so-called failed back surgery patients the sacroiliac joint can even be considered as the most likely source of pain [4].
When conservative treatment of the sacroiliac joint disease has not been successful, interventional strategies, such as distraction interference arthrodesis with the DIANA procedure (distraction interference arthrodesis, neurovascular anticipating), represent a valid treatment option [5]. With this surgical method, an implant is anchored at the hardest point of the pelvic bone in order to ensure that the distance between the painful joint surfaces that is being restored by surgery is maintained during the healing phase. When the new bone graft material is transformed into solid bone, the joint stabilises.
Unlike with other surgical strategies, the joint is not screwed in place but the joint space is retained or is corrected by distraction. The posterior approach, away from nerves and large blood vessels, is…
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