Introduction to Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

The sacroiliac joints are where the sacrum meets the two pelvic bones known as the ilium. These joints help stabilize the spine and allow for movement between the spine and pelvis. They are located just below the waist on each side of the lower back. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction happens when the joints become misaligned or inflamed, causing lower back and hip pain.

Advancements in Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Techniques

Minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized how Sacroiliac Joint Fusion surgeries are performed. Traditionally, surgeons would need to make large incisions and use screws or rods to fuse the joints. Now, many opt for smaller incisions and less hardware through approaches like:

- Percutaneous screw fixation - Short screws are inserted through small skin punctures to stabilize the joints. This leaves just small scars and a quick recovery time of 4-6 weeks.

- Ablation procedures - Technologies like radiofrequency ablation use targeted heat to destroy joint tissues and promote fusion. It's a procedure done awake in an outpatient setting with no hardware left behind.

- Triangular titanium implants - Small triangular or tapered implants are designed to lock the joints in place from the inside out. They fit entirely within the joint space and promote bone growth without needing long screws.

Rise in Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion Volumes Globally

As techniques have advanced, the number of sacroiliac joint fusion surgeries performed annually has increased substantially. A study published in The Spine Journal reviewed nationwide surgery statistics from 2005 to 2015 in the United States. It found SI joint fusions increased five-fold during that period, with minimally invasive procedures now representing over 70% of all fusions done.

Medical device companies have responded by developing new implant technologies tailored for smaller incisions. The global SI joint fusion device market was valued at $250 million in 2019 and is forecast to reach $500 million by 2026 according to analysts. Growth is expected to be driven by the risingAwareness of SI joint dysfunction as a cause oflower back/hip pain as well as favorable reimbursement for fusion procedures in many countries.

Factors Influencing Global Procedure Volumes

Several additional trends are supporting the expansion of sacroiliac joint fusion globally:

- Diagnostic advancements like MRI and diagnostic blocks allow more accurate identification of the SI joints as a pain generator compared tojust treating as lower back issues.

- Economic burden of lower back/hip pain is a huge cost driver worldwide. Fusion provides durable relief for properly selected patients failing conservative treatments.

- Aging populations experiencing more degenerative sacroiliac joint disorders and higher Body Mass Index levels increasing mechanical stresses on the joints.

- Expanding network of trained spine/orthopedic surgeons knowledgeable in minimally invasive fusion techniques. Medical tourism is also bringing patients to centers of excellence.

- Increased direct-to-consumer awareness through online education and marketing of SI joint dysfunction as a treatable condition.

Key Players and Regions Leading Innovation

The largest SI joint fusion markets currently are the United States, Germany, France, Italy and Japan. However, growth rates are highest in developing Asian and Latin American countries. Medical device companies headquartered in Ireland, France and the United States dominate the global market.

Some notable companies on the cutting-edge of innovation in this field include SI-BONE based in San Jose, CA, which pioneered triangular titanium implant designs. RTI Surgical in Alachua, FL focuses on porous metal implants, and i-SYS in France offers resorbable implants. These firms actively publish clinical data and train surgeons internationally to expand adoption of their technologies.

Sacroiliac joint fusion has emerged as an important specialized orthopedic/neurosurgery field globally. Technological advancements now allow less invasive treatments for properly selected patients, driving rapid growth worldwide. Further diagnostic and implant innovations should continue to support expansion and help more individuals find relief from debilitating lower back/hip pain caused by faulty sacroiliac joints.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)