For Providers
iFuse Surgical Technique
This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a small incision and requires about one hour of surgical time.
Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion
The Procedure
The procedure typically involves the insertion of three small titanium implants across the SI joint, and is designed to stabilize and fuse the SI joint.
Implant lengths range from 30mm to 70mm in 5mm increments with 4.0 and 7.0mm diameters. These implants are delivered to the sacroiliac (SI) joint using a cannulated delivery system and soft tissue protection instruments.
This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a small incision and requires about one hour of surgical time. The iFuse may potentially minimize complications often seen with open surgery, including reducing blood loss and the average length of hospital stay. 61, 62, 63
The procedure can be performed using navigation equipment. iFuse-Navigation™ Instruments are designed to allow surgeons using Medtronic O-arm® Imaging System and StealthStation™ Navigation System to perform SI-BONE’s iFuse sacroiliac joint fusion procedure.
The following surgical technique describes the steps for the implantation of the iFuse Implants.
- Skin mark and incision
- Pin insertion
- Place soft tissue protector
- Measure depth
- Drill
- Broach
- Insert implant
- Repeat
Benefits of MIS over Traditional Surgery
There are many potential benefits of iFuse minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique over traditional surgical SI joint fixation, including:
- Smaller incision size
- Less soft tissue stripping
- Minimal tendon irritation
The Risks
As with all surgical procedures and permanent implants, there are risks and considerations associated with surgery and use of the iFuse Implant. There are potential risks associated with the iFuse Implant System®. It may not be appropriate for all patients and all patients may not benefit.
Please review the iFuse Instructions For Use for a complete discussion of contraindications, warnings, precautions, and risks.