The incidence of new onset sacroiliac joint pain following lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can be a new source of pain following lumbar fusion. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of and predisposing factors for new onset SIJ pain following successful lumbar fusion. METHODS: We review our series of 317 patients who underwent spinal fusion in the past 5 years to identify patients who developed new onset SIJ pain. All patients had a minimum 12 months follow up. Diagnostic criteria for SIJ pain were: New onset pain localised to lower lumbar region and buttocks, ≥2 positive provocative tests of SIJ and pain relief of >70% achieved from SIJ block. RESULTS: . 11.2% in those who had not. The incidence of SIJ pain was 11.1% with 1-level fusion, 12.0% with 2-level fusion, 12.9% with 3-level fusion and 14.0% with equal or more than 4-level fusion. CONCLUSIONS: New onset SIJ pain can arise following spinal fusion. We have not found a higher frequency of SIJ pain in patients with fusion extending to sacrum or longer spinal construct.