San Jose, Calif.-based SI-BONE reported the publication of a six-year study on its iFuse implant.
The study of 137 patients compared iFuse to conservative management and radiofrequency denervation. Sixty-three patients received conservative management, 47 patients received SI joint denervation and 27 patients underwent SI joint fusion with the iFuse at an outpatient neurosurgery clinic. The patients suffered SI joint pain due to osteoarthritic degenerative sacroiliitis or SI joint disruption.
Here are four takeaways:
1. The conservative management as well as the radiofrequency denervation patients experienced no long-term improvements in pain or function.
2. The iFuse patients saw significant superior improvements in pain and function.
3. While 80 percent of both the conservative management and radiofrequency denervation patient groups were using opioids at the last follow-up, only 7 percent of iFuse patients were using opioids.
4. Of the iFuse patients, 70 percent had returned to work at the last follow-up, compared to 34 percent of the radiofrequency denervation patients and 19 percent of the conservative management patients.
"This study is remarkable in that it highlights the profound positive impact on patients with SI joint pain who have access to SI joint fusion," said Jeffrey Dunn, SI-BONE president and CEO.