Possible Use of Arthrodesis for Intractable Sacroiliitis in Spondylarthropathy

STUDY DESIGN: Two cases of successful sacroiliac joint arthrodesis for medically intractable aseptic sacroiliitis are reported. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although successful arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joint had been reported previously for septic sacroiliitis, no report had shown the procedure to be effective for spondylarthropathy. METHODS: Two women with spondylarthropathy involving very painful sacroiliac arthritis for 18 and 24 months had been relieved only transiently by several injections of steroids into the sacroiliac joint under fluoroscopy and by Bermuda casts. Both patients underwent sacroiliac joint arthrodesis. RESULTS: Both patients showed dramatic improvement after sacroiliac joint arthrodesis. Moreover, no relapses had occurred, respectively, after 2 and 3 years of follow-up evaluation despite continuing spondylarthropathy in other joints. CONCLUSIONS: After a careful selection of patients, including positive blocks in the sacroiliac joint, arthrodesis of sacroiliac joint might be considered for so-called "intractable" aseptic sacroiliitis.