Dr. LaPorte Performed his 100th Sacroiliac Joint Fusion this week
Dr. Jeff LaPorte completed his 100th sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion procedure using the iFuse TORQ® Implant System, one of the latest innovative solutions from SI-BONE, the creator of the minimally invasive SI joint fusion device—the triangular titanium iFuse Implant. Dr. LaPorte has been specifically trained on the diagnosis and treatment of SI joint dysfunction and has treated patients with SI joint pain from Western Montana and Idaho.
Clinical publications have identified the SI joint as a pain generator in 15-30%1-4 of chronic lower back pain patients. In addition, the SI joint can be the cause of continued or new onset lower back pain after a lumbar fusion in up to 43% of patients5. It is common for pain from the SI joint to be described as lower back or hip pain. Although many patients present to physicians with lower back pain, it is important for the diagnosing provider to rule in or out other common sources of pain such as lumbar spine or even hip. Thankfully, as awareness of the condition grows, more patients can receive a comprehensive diagnosis that considers the SI joint as a potential source of their pain.
To diagnose and identify patients potentially eligible for the iFuse TORQ procedure involves starting with a series of hands-on exam maneuvers. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be tricky to diagnose because it is rarely seen on imaging. It usually requires a comprehensive care team that works together for the best interest of the patient. The most relied upon method to accurately determine whether the SI joint is the cause of lower back pain symptoms is to inject the SI joint with a local anesthetic. The injection will be delivered using contrast dye under either fluoroscopic or CT guidance to verify accurate placement of the needle in the SI joint. If symptoms are temporarily decreased by at least 75%, it can be concluded that the SI joint is either the source of, or a major contributor to, lower back pain.
Patients with suspected SI joint pathology typically try to manage their pain using one or more non-invasive treatments which can include oral medications such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, sessions with a chiropractor, or visits to pain management for injections. If these conservative treatments fail to offer long-term or sufficient relief, that’s when patients may consider surgical intervention with the iFuse TORQ Implant System.
Patients commonly appreciate that the iFuse TORQ procedure is a minimally invasive surgery. Typically, the procedure takes approximately one hour to complete and is performed through a small incision on the side of the buttock. It involves Dr. LaPorte inserting 3D-printed implants across the joint to maximize post-surgical stability and weight bearing capacity.
Once the procedure is completed and patients return home for recovery, they are instructed to rest and keep activity minimal. After approximately six weeks, most patients start to return to daily activities. Most patients see a decrease of SIJ-related pain, an increase in function, and a return to activities of daily living seen prior to diagnosis with SIJ dysfunction
There are many causes for SI joint pain and dysfunction, and it affects a wide demographic of patients, spanning those in their 20s to patients older than 70. Causes of SI pain include, but are not limited to, childbirth, traumatic injury (car accidents), arthritis, previous lumbar fusion, or infection.
This is what patients are saying via google reviews:
“Dr LaPorte did my si joint and changed my life. Thank you for listening and figuring out the problem. I spent 15 years in pain and many Dr s in the flathead valley just couldn’t figure it out. Dr Laporte just listened to me and a few of his movement techniques he knew right away. Great DR great bedside manner. Can’t thank him enough.”
“Huge thank you for all you have done for me!!! Highly recommend.”
Dr. LaPorte is currently accepting new patients who are interested in a complete evaluation of their pain. Please call Missoula Bone & Joint to schedule your appointment 406-721-4436
1 Bernard TN, Kirkaldy-Willis WH. Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research. 1987;217:266–80.
2 Schwarzer AC, Aprill CN, Bogduk N. Spine. 1995;20:31–7.
3 Maigne JY, Aivaliklis A, Pfefer F. Spine. 1996;21:1889–92.
4 Sembrano JN, Polly DW. Spine. 2009;34:E27–32.
5 DePalma M, Ketchum JM, Saullo TR. Pain Medicine. 2011;12:732–9.
6 Polly DW, et al. and the INSITE Study Group. Neurosurgery. 2015;77:674–91. [INSITE 2yr RCT]
7 Dengler J, et al. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American Volume. 2019;101(5):400-11. [iMIA 2yr RCT]