Patient-specific 3d virtual surgical planning vs. Conventional treatment for sacroiliac joint fusion
Nick Kampkuiper (ET-BDDP), Asal Abkar (Orthopedie MST), Jorm Nellensteijn (Orthopedie MST), Edsko Hekman (ET-BDDP), Gabriëlle Tuijthof (ET-BDDP), Maaike Koenrades (TNW-M3i), and Femke Schröder (ET-BDDP)
Abstract
Introduction
Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction contributes significantly to the global burden of low back pain, particularly among adult females. Minimally invasive SI joint fusion (SIJF) can be applied to alleviate pain and restore function by stabilizing the joint with three triangular titanium rods. Conservative methods using solely 2D fluoroscopic guidance are challenging due to highly variable complex anatomy and poor visibility of anatomy on 2D imaging, making it difficult to prevent complications and place the implants in an optimal position. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) provides preoperative insight and intraoperative guidance based on preoperative CT imaging. This study retrospectively investigates the efficacy of VSP in improving outcomes of minimally invasive SIJF.
Methods
In this case-control study, VSP for SIJF is compared to conventional SIJF before the implementation of VSP in November 2021. Data was collected from medical records, short interviews, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Data included baseline characteristics, complications, pre- and postoperative pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale), Oswestry Disability Index scores, duration of surgery, and radiation exposure. Statistical analysis will be conducted, including descriptive statistics and appropriate comparative tests.
Results
Eighty-one patients were included in this study, with 43 in the VSP group and 38 in the control group. All data has been gathered and we are currently working on the statistical analysis. All results will be available before June 27th, 2024.
Conclusions
It is expected that the VSP group is associated with improved outcomes.