A prospective study was conducted to determine the functional and radiographic outcome of sacroiliac arthrodesis. Twenty patients were enrolled and the mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. SI joint instability was the most common etiology. Seventeen of twenty patients (85%) went on to a solid fusion. Statistically significant improvement was noted postoperatively in five of eight SF-36 categories (PF, RP, BP, SF, and RE), with a positive trend in the others. We conclude that sacroiliac arthrodesis is successful in the treatment of sacroiliac disorders, however its success is dependent on careful patient selection.

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional and radiographic outcome of sacroiliac joint arthrodesis.

Twenty consecutive patients were enrolled with an average age of 45.1 years. Plain radiographs and SF-36 Health Surveys were obtained prior to surgery and during the follow-up period.

Mean duration of symptoms was 2.6 years and mean follow-up was 4.6 years. SI joint instability was the most common etiology and was present in twelve patients. Seventeen of Twenty (85%) patients went on to a solid fusion. Of the three patients who did not fuse, two remained symptomatic and required revision surgery. Fifteen of twenty patients (75%) completed pre- and post-operative SF-36 forms. Improvement was noted in all SF-36 categories. PF improved from 31.8±31.0 to 50.7±34.5 (p< 0.030). RP improved from a 0.0±0.0 to 31.3±41.5 (p< 0.012). BP improved from 15.6±11.1 to 35.7±24.7 (p< 0.009). SF improved from 37.5±21.0 to 61.5±24.1 (p< 0.028). Finally, RE improved from 46.2±48.2 to 66.7±44.9 (p< 0.012). Improvement was also noted in GH, VT, and MH from 52.2±23.5, 30.8±21.7, and 56.0±28.3, respectively to 56.1±20.5, 44.6±25.8, and 61.3±26.3, respectively, however these were not significant (p values 0.345, 0.064, and 0.220, respectively).

In this prospective study, a fusion rate of 85% was achieved, and statistically significant improvement in functional outcome was observed in five of eight SF-36 categories with a positive trend in the others.

Sacroiliac arthrodesis is successful in the treatment of SI joint instability, arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, and dysfunction, however, its success is dependent on careful patient selection.