Spinal alignment
Key points • Global spinal balance is equally important as it is a dynamic process that includes the spine along with compensatory mechanisms consisting of the hips, and ankles. •…
Facet joints
Key Points • Pathologic changes seen in facet joint degeneration include fibrillation, joint space narrowing, articular cartilage thinning, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteophytosis, and development of juxta-facet cysts. • Risk factors…
Paraspinal muscles
Key points • Erector spinae, lumbar multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and psoas major are commonly investigated paraspinal muscles. • Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography provide high-quality muscle images for the…
Lateral sacroiliac joint fusion
Introduction Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease has been increasingly recognized as a common contributor to many cases of lower back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy, with a prevalence estimated at between 13%…
Surgical instruments
Introduction Surgical instruments are the tools of the trade. Just like any in any other trade or manual job, there are a number of surgical instruments that have been designed…
Sacroiliac joint posterior fusion
Introduction The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) functions in transferring the load between the spine and the lower extremities and acts as a shock absorber for the spine. The structure is bordered…
Measuring outcomes of improvement
Introduction Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a debilitating condition that accounts for approximately 20% of chronic axial lower back pain (LBP). The diagnosis is made by relief of pain after…
Peripheral nerve stimulation of the sacroiliac joint
Introduction Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is being explored for a variety of clinical indications, including plexus injuries, focal mononeuropathy, postamputation pain, back pain, sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ), headache, facial pain,…
Sacroiliac joint radiofrequency ablation
Introduction Low back pain remains one of the most debilitating and prevalent symptoms in the United States, with a lifetime prevalence of 65% to 70%. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is…
Sacroiliac joint injection techniques
Introduction The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the largest true synovial joint in the body. It is one of the most common sources of chronic low back pain, accounting for 15%…
