Investigation of Sacroiliac Fusion Treatment (INSITE)
United States159 participantsStarted 2012-09
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes when patients with degenerative sacroiliitis (arthritis of the SI joint) and or sacroiliac disruption (abnormal separation or tearing of the sacroiliac joint)undergo either SI joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System or undergo specific, targeted non-surgical treatment of the SI joint.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age 21-70 at time of screening
. Patient has lower back pain for \>6 months inadequately responsive to conservative care
. Diagnosis of sacroiliac joint disruption or degenerative sacroiliitis based on ALL of the following:
. Patient has pain at or close to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) with possible radiation into buttocks, posterior thigh or groin and can point with a single finger to the location of pain (Fortin Finger Test), and
. Patient has at least 3 of 5 physical examination maneuvers specific for the SI joint (see Table 3), and
. Patient has improvement in lower back pain numeric rating scale (NRS) of at least 50% after injection of local anesthetic into affected SI joint(s) (see Section 3.6.4), and
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Baseline Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score of at least 30%
Exclusion criteria
. Severe back pain due to other causes, such as lumbar disc degeneration, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar facet degeneration, and lumbar vertebral body fracture\*\*
. Other known sacroiliac pathology such as:
. Sacral dysplasia
. Inflammatory sacroiliitis (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis or other HLA-associated spondyloarthropathy)