Minimally invasive sacroiliac fusion: current insights and a comprehensive literature review.

Abstract

Background/aim: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a frequently overlooked source of lower back pain (LBP). Recently, it has gained recognition as a significant pain generator, prompting increased interest in surgeries targeting this area. Traditionally, open SIJ fusion was used to stabilize pelvic and sacral fractures, and then it was adapted for use in pain management until the development of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Revolutionizing the field, MIS offers fast and effective pain relief with significantly less risk of postsurgical adverse events, thereby gaining increased attention among surgeons. This review aims to highlight the current advancements in the literature regarding MIS SIJ fusion.

Conclusion: The current literature demonstrates the superiority of MIS over open surgery with satisfactory patient outcomes and significantly lower complication rates. With the advancement in navigation and the inclusion of robotic assistance, MIS SIJ fusion is expected to become more ergonomically feasible for surgeons and shorten the learning curve for new trainees worldwide.