Spinal Diagnostics
Pain Medicine & Reactiv8 located in Tualatin, OR & Newberg, OR
The SI Joint Stabilization (LinQ) provides SI joint dysfunction patients with a safe, minimally invasive solution to combat pain. After a thorough diagnostic process, physicians can help alleviate, and in many cases eliminate, chronic pain by placing a single LinQ allograft into the SI Joint. This single implant helps patients immediately regain joint stability – and with its large graft window, the SI Joint Stabilization (LinQ) helps create an ideal environment for long-term fusion.
SI Joint Stabilization (LinQ) Procedure Q & A
What is the SI joint?
The sacroiliac joint or SI joint (SIJ) is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis, which are connected by strong ligaments. They sit on the left and right side of your spine. The primary role of the SI joint is to provide stability for the pelvis and to bear the load of the upper body when you stand or walk and shift that load to your legs. It is an essential component for energy transfer (or shock absorber) between the legs and the torso.
What is SI joint dysfunction?
Common problems of the sacroiliac joint are often called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (also termed SI joint dysfunction; SIJD). Your physician may also refer to sacroiliac joint pain by other terms like sacroiliitis, SI joint degeneration, SI joint inflammation, SI joint syndrome, SI joint disruption, SI joint insufficiency, SI joint strain and arthritis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction generally refers to pain in the sacroiliac joint region that is caused by abnormal motion in the sacroiliac joint, either too much or too little motion due to the lack of support from the once strong and taut ligaments. In fact, research suggests the SI joint is the source of pain up to 30 percent of people with chronic low back pain. (*Rashbaum, J Spinal Disord, 2016).
What does LinQ treat?
LinQ is indicated for patients with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and/or SI joint instability. SI dysfunction and the associated pain can cause low back pain, pelvis/ buttock pain, lower extremity pain, hip/ groin pain, and problems sitting, sleeping, or walking. Symptoms worsen over time and do not offer continued relief after conservative treatments.
What is LinQ?
The LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System provides SI joint dysfunction patients with a safe, minimally invasive solution to combat pain. After a thorough diagnostic process, physicians can help alleviate, and in many cases eliminate, chronic pain by placing a single LinQ allograft (human donor bone) into the SI Joint. This single implant helps patients immediately regain joint stability.
The LinQ procedure offers several benefits compared to traditional SI joint surgery:
* Safe posterior approach away from nerves and large blood vessels
* Minimally invasive
* No metal implanted
* Fast Recovery Time
* Proven Effective Results
What should I expect with the procedure?
This procedure is minimally invasive and involves implanting one small bone allograft into the SI joint to stabilize and fuse the dysfunctional joint. Using fluoroscopic imaging guidance, the allograft is positioned at the precise location in the SI joint.
Does LinQ require major surgery?
LinQ is minimally invasive and completed in an outpatient setting. The entire procedure is done through a single, small incision on the patient’s back. Patients leave the hospital or surgery center the same day, shortly after surgery and can usually resume daily living activities within a couple of weeks, depending on how well they are healing and based on physician’s orders.
Are there possible complications with the procedure?
As with any procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding, as well as a potential lack of benefit from the therapy. Although the risk of complication is low, you and your doctor should discuss the possible risks associated with this treatment and if this treatment is right for you.
