LINQ™ SI Joint Fusion

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your spine to your pelvis. It helps absorb shock between your upper body and legs. When this joint becomes unstable or degenerates, it can cause chronic low back, buttock, or leg pain.

The LINQ™ SI Joint Fusion System is a minimally invasive procedure that places a small bone allograft implant into the SI joint to promote bone growth and fusion. This stabilizes the joint and can reduce pain.

LINQ uses a posterior (back) approach, which often results in less muscle disruption and a faster recovery than traditional lateral approaches.

Your provider may recommend LINQ SI joint fusion if you have:

• Confirmed SI joint dysfunction or instability
• Chronic pain that has not improved with physical therapy, injections, or medication
• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting due to SI joint pain
• Positive response to diagnostic SI joint injections

• Minimally invasive — small incision, low tissue disruption
• Posterior approach (through the back), which may reduce surgical risk
• Reduced surgical time
• Shorter recovery period compared to traditional fusions
• Bone graft promotes long-term stability through fusion

• Pre-operative imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI) confirms diagnosis
• Discuss all medications, especially blood thinners
• You may be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery

• Performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital
• You will receive sedation or general anesthesia
• A small incision is made over the SI joint
• The LINQ bone graft implant is placed through the posterior approach into the SI joint
• The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue

What to Expect:

• Soreness at the incision site and buttock area
• Pain typically improves over weeks to months as the joint fuses
• Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery
• Avoid twisting, bending, or heavy lifting until cleared

Activity & Recovery:

• You may use a walker or cane for a few days
• Gradual return to normal activity over 6–12 weeks
• A physical therapy plan may be recommended
• Avoid high-impact activities until your provider approves

• You'll return for follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Imaging (X-ray or CT) may be done to confirm fusion
• Most patients begin to feel improvement within a few weeks, with continued progress over 3–6 months