Sacroiliac joint fusion in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: A case series

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SJD) is a known cause of lower back pain. SJD might be due to hypermobility in the Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Stabilization of the SIJ can be a highly successful treatment for lower back pain. No previous literature about EDS and SIJ fusion is available. The purpose of this study was to assess our mid-term results of SIJ fusion surgery in EDS patients suffering from SIJ dysfunction. METHODS: A case series of patients who underwent SIJ fusion for SIJ dysfunction due to EDS between January 2012 and December 2018 were analyzed in retrospect. Patients underwent surgery and the SIJ was stabilized with triangular implants bridging the joint. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed in nine agree/disagree questions and a satisfaction performance scale. Clinical data has been extracted from the patient files and in addition, we reassessed the position of the implants on the CT scans. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients with EDS completed the questionnaire and were available for analysis. The mean satisfaction score is 78.1 out of 100 and seven patients reported a 100% satisfaction score. CONCLUSION: SIJ fusion is a safe and useful procedure to reduce pain and function levels in EDS patients with lower back pain due to SIJ dysfunction.