TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new multi-center U.S. study, recently published in Orthopedic Research and Reviews, confirms that posterior sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion with a cortical allograft implant, LINQ® delivers significant, sustained pain relief for patients with chronic SI joint dysfunction.
The retrospective study evaluated 258 patients across six clinical sites who underwent the minimally invasive LINQ® Fusion procedure between August 2019 and January 2024. At a mean follow-up of 1.75 years, patients reported a 6.01-point average reduction in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores – well above the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) – with no serious adverse events reported.
“This is the largest real-world, multi-site analysis of posterior cortical allograft SI joint fusion to date, showing consistent, durable pain relief with minimal risk,” said lead author Christopher Bovinet, DO, National Spine and Pain Centers, Brunswick, GA “These results reinforce this approach as an effective, evidence-based treatment option for patients whose quality of life is impacted by SI joint pain.”
Key findings from the study include:
- Sustained pain relief: Mean NRS improved from 7.61 to 1.60 (6.01-point reduction).
- Rapid onset: MCID achieved within 1 month (4.07-point drop).
- No serious adverse events, transfusions, or overnight hospital stays.
SI joint dysfunction accounts for up to 30% of chronic lower back pain cases but remains underdiagnosed. LINQ® reduces procedural risk and may enable faster recovery compared to traditional open approaches.
“We’re honored to co-author the largest real-world outcomes study on posterior SI joint fusion using cortical allograft,” said Dawood Sayed, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas. “With a mean follow-up of nearly two years, patients experienced meaningful pain reduction — with no serious adverse events. These findings reinforce LinQ® as a safe, durable, and minimally invasive solution for SI joint dysfunction
This study provides critical long-term evidence which strengthens the growing body of literature supporting the LinQ procedure as a proven alternative to other minimally invasive techniques.”
The authors call for future prospective, randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings, assess fusion rates, and compare posterior and lateral approaches for outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Additional Independent Publications
A separate retrospective study published in Pain and Therapy (PMID: 40828365) evaluated 260 patients treated with LinQ® and found adverse events to be rare and minor, with no serious device-related events reported at either 3- or 6-month follow-up. In addition, a case report in Orthopedic Research Reviews (PMID: 40860305) highlighted the successful use of posterior SI joint fusion in a patient with Bertolotti’s syndrome, a rare condition involving transitional lumbosacral anatomy. Together, these publications further demonstrate the safety profile of the LinQ® procedure while underscoring its potential utility in anatomically complex scenarios.
Commitment to Evidence-Based Care
With more than 14,000 LinQ® procedures performed to date, PainTEQ remains dedicated to building the strongest clinical evidence base in the SI joint space.
“At PainTEQ, our mission is to redefine relief for patients suffering from chronic SI joint pain,” Thiyagalingam added. “The continued validation of LinQ® through independent clinical studies reinforces the impact of our technology and supports our commitment to improving patient outcomes, expanding access, and shaping the future of SI joint care.”
About PainTEQ
PainTEQ is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for patients suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The company’s flagship technology, the LinQ® procedure, is designed to provide lasting relief through a minimally invasive, posterior approach using a single cortical allograft implant.
SOURCE PainTEQ