SI Joint Pain
SI Joint Pain using the PainTEQ LinQ
The LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System provides SI joint dysfunction patients with a 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
At Western Rockies Pain Management, we utilize the PainTEQ LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System to provide targeted relief for SI joint pain. This innovative technology, backed by a comprehensive body of clinical evidence, is a minimally invasive procedure designed for a quicker recovery compared to traditional open SI surgery. PainTEQ’s LinQ procedure enables us to customize treatment plans that effectively alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Our commitment to cutting-edge solutions ensures that patients receive the highest level of care in their journey toward pain relief and recovery. For more information on the PainTEQ LinQ technique, please visit this resource.
What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?
Common problems of the sacroiliac joint are often termed sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Your physician may also refer to sacroiliac joint pain by other terms, including sacroiliitis, SI joint degeneration, SI joint inflammation, SI joint syndrome, SI joint disruption, SI joint insufficiency, SI joint strain, and arthritis.
SI joint dysfunction generally refers to pain in the sacroiliac joint region caused by abnormal motion in the sacroiliac joint, either too much motion or too little, due to the lack of support from the once strong and taut ligaments. SI joint dysfunction can be caused by injuries, falls, pregnancy, prior lumbar surgery, or inflammatory joint disease. Research suggests the SI joint is the source of pain for up to 30 percent of people with chronic lower back pain (Rashbaum, J Spinal Disord, 2016).
Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include lower back pain, pain in the buttocks or thighs, and pain that radiates down the legs. The pain may worsen with standing or walking and may be relieved by lying down. Other symptoms can include stiffness and a burning sensation in the pelvis.
How is SI Join Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Diagnosing sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a detailed process that requires a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic tests, and patient history to accurately identify the source of pain. This multifaceted approach ensures that the diagnosis is precise, allowing for targeted treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient.
Conservative Treatment for SI Joint Dysfunction
The most common conservative treatments for SI joint pain/dysfunction include physical therapy, oral pain medicines, steroid injections, and nerve ablation. Patients who have not responded sufficiently to conservative treatments may be candidates for interventional joint stabilization and fusion with the LinQ procedure.
Introduction to LinQ SI Join Stabilization System
The LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System is designed to address the challenges associated with sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, a condition that affects a significant number of patients, causing chronic pain and limiting mobility. LinQ is a simple, safe, and clinical-evidence backed allograft implant, roughly the size of an almond. The entire procedure is done through a single, small incision on the back near the buttocks. It is designed to help patients immediately regain stability in the SI joint and reduce pain while creating an ideal environment for long-term fusion.
How is LinQ Performed?
There are four steps to the LinQ procedure:
• Access: Under X-ray guidance, a small guide pin is advanced into the joint.
• Dilate: A tapered dilator is advanced down the pin to gently spread open the joint.
• Decorticate: A shaving instrument is inserted to prepare the bone surface and trigger the body's natural healing response.
• Deliver: The implant is filled with bone graft to facilitate fusion, and then placed under compression to stabilize the joint.
Clinical Benefits of LinQ
The LinQ system offers several clinical advantages over lateral screw or rod-based surgery, including:
• Minimally Invasive Procedure: A single allograft implant, small incision, and streamlined 4-step procedure leads to reduced procedure time and hospital stay.
• Safety Profile: A posterior approach away from major nerves and arteries and monitored sedation support fewer complications.
• Proven Efficacy: Clinical trials and studies have consistently shown significant reductions in pain and improvements in function for patients treated with the LinQ system.
• Preserves Future Options: There is no drilling and there is no metal is implanted, which makes it an excellent first choice that doesn't burn bridges for future procedures.