SI Joint Fusion (LinQ® SI Joint Stabilization)

Chronic low back, hip, or buttock pain isn’t always caused by the spine. For many patients, the source is the sacroiliac (SI) joint. SI Joint Fusion using the LinQ® SI Joint Stabilization System is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who have not found lasting relief with conservative care.

What Is the SI Joint?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the sacrum to the ilium bones of the pelvis, located just below the beltline. These joints help stabilize the spine, absorb shock, and transfer force between the upper body and legs. When the SI joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to significant pain and limited mobility.

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

SI Joint Dysfunction (SIJD) occurs when abnormal motion in the SI joint—either too much or too little—causes inflammation and pain. It may be caused by injury, pregnancy, prior lumbar surgery, arthritis, or degenerative changes. Studies suggest the SI joint may be responsible for up to 30% of chronic low back pain cases.

Common Symptoms

• Low back, buttock, hip, or groin pain
• Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs
• Pain radiating into the thighs or legs
• Temporary relief from SI joint injections
• Stiffness or burning sensations in the pelvis

Treatment Options

Conservative treatments may include physical therapy, medications, steroid injections, and nerve ablation. When these options do not provide adequate relief, minimally invasive SI joint fusion may be recommended.

What Is LinQ® SI Joint Fusion?

The LinQ® SI Joint Stabilization System is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the SI joint and promote long-term fusion. A small, natural bone implant—about the size of an almond—is placed through a single small incision near the buttocks. No metal hardware is used.

LinQ is designed to provide immediate stability, reduce pain, and preserve future treatment options.

How the Procedure Works

Benefits of LinQ®

• Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
• Single small incision
• No metal implants
• Posterior approach avoids major nerves and blood vessels
• Faster recovery compared to traditional fusion

Clinical studies show patients experienced an average of 67% pain relief, significant improvement in function, and no implant-related serious adverse events.

What to Expect

Most patients go home the same day and resume light activities within days. Your provider will give you personalized pre- and post-procedure instructions to support healing and recovery.

Is SI Joint Fusion Right for You?

You may be a candidate if you have chronic low back or pelvic pain that has not improved with conservative treatments. Not every patient is eligible, and individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my chronic pain has reached the point where SI joint fusion is necessary?

You may be an ideal candidate for SI joint fusion if you have been diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis and have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments. Generally, candidates have tried at least six months of non-surgical management, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, anti-inflammatory medications, or therapeutic joint injections, without success. Additionally, your pain must be clearly validated by a diagnostic block, and the discomfort should be significantly impacting your ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, sitting, or sleeping.

When can I safely return to work?

Your return to work depends largely on your specific occupation. If you have a sedentary desk job, you may be able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, provided you can take short breaks to stand and stretch.

Take the Next Step

If SI joint pain is limiting your life, SI Joint Fusion with LinQ may help restore stability and reduce pain.

Schedule a consultation to see if this treatment is right for you.

SI Joint Dysfunction (SIJD) occurs when abnormal motion in the SI joint—either too much or too little—causes inflammation and pain. It may be caused by injury, pregnancy, prior lumbar surgery, arthritis, or degenerative changes. Studies suggest the SI joint may be responsible for up to 30% of chronic low back pain cases. 1

Cohen SP, Chen Y, Neufeld NJ. Sacroiliac joint pain: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother. 2013 Jan;13(1):99-116. doi: 10.1586/ern.12.148. PMID: 23253394.

Clinical studies show patients experienced an average of 67% pain relief, significant improvement in function, and no implant-related serious adverse events.2

Bovinet C, Antony A, Azeem N, Mehta P, Epter RS, Velagapudi V, Tieppo Francio V, Lam CM, Sayed D. Minimally Invasive Posterior SI Joint Fusion with a Novel Cortical Allograft: Real-World, Long-Term, Outcomes from a Large, Multisite US Cohort. Orthop Res Rev. 2025;17:381-390
https://doi.org/10.2147/ORR.S538286