Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) arthrodesis through anterior approach was performed for 15 patients with severe SIJ pain. All patients were not adequately responsive to the conservative treatments including sacroiliac joint injection and stabilization by pelvic belts, and were markedly restricted their activity of daily living and working. They were 6 males and 9 females and the averaged age at surgery was 49 years old (range; 30-86). The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 3.9 years (range; 1-7) and the postoperative follow-up period was averaged 2.3 years (6 months-5 years). Unilateral SIJ arthrodesis was performed for 14 patients and bilateral for 1 patient. CT scan confirmed that the SIJ were completely fused in all cases. The preoperative JOA score was 5.6 (4-9, full mark is 29 points) and improved to 18 (7-24). Visual analogue scale of pain (VAS) was 84 (70-93) preoperatively and decreased to 40 (10-75) after surgery. Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ) score was also improved from 21.1 (17-23, worst is 24 ) to 6.9 (1-14). The surgical outcome of SIJ arthrodesis through anterior approach was relatively good but the indication and timing of surgery still need some discussions.
