#USA #Fort Lauderdale #Sacrix® SI Joint #Fusion Technique #Dr. Kingsley Chin

Introduction

Dr. Kingsley R. Chin, a prominent orthopedic spine surgeon, has achieved a remarkable milestone for the interventional spine community with a landmark study titled "A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial on Safety and Procedural Competency in SI Joint Fusion Performed by Interventional Pain Physicians Trained by a Spine Surgeon." This study is not only groundbreaking but is also the first of its kind to assess the safety and effectiveness of SI joint fusion procedures performed by trained interventional pain management (IPM) physicians. The study was recently published ahead of print in The Spine Journal and serves as a significant resource for practitioners in the field.

Study Overview

Conducted across multiple ambulatory surgery centers, the study involved 276 patients treated by 47 IPM physicians who underwent specialized training directly under Dr. Chin’s guidance. The physicians were split into two randomized groups for comparison.
1. Group 1: Supervised by board-certified spine surgeons.
2. Group 2: Supervised by clinical specialists or sales representatives.

The results were eye-opening: Group 1 exhibited a 0% complication rate, whereas Group 2 encountered a 4.3% complication rate, alongside a 2.4% revision rate. Dr. Chin emphasized, "This study validates a new training paradigm that empowers IPM physicians to perform SIJ fusions safely and effectively when properly trained by spine surgeons," highlighting the importance of adequate training standards in enhancing patient safety.

The Significance of the Sacrix® Technique

Traditionally, the SI joint fusion procedure was the exclusive domain of spine surgeons, typically performed through a direct lateral approach. However, with the evolution of percutaneous techniques suitable for outpatient settings, IPM physicians are increasingly performing these procedures. This shift has ignited an ongoing discussion regarding training standards and the necessity of ensuring patient safety during SI joint fusion.

The Sacrix® technique, which employs a posterior-oblique approach, is specifically designed for safety, efficiency, and reproducibility. Furthermore, it incorporates advanced elements such as titanium screw fixation and NanoFuse Biologics, a synthetic bone graft aimed at improving patient outcomes. The transition towards outpatient spine surgery continues to gain traction, and Dr. Chin’s ongoing efforts in training physicians contribute significantly to this trend.

The VET Tour

To further enhance physician training, Dr. Chin and his team launched the Visit. Education. Training. (VET) Tour in 2025. Hosted at their headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the VET Tour features state-of-the-art operating rooms for hands-on cadaver training and didactic sessions. This immersive program is exemplary of collaborative efforts between surgeons and IPM physicians, ensuring the safe adoption of interventional spine procedures. During this program, participants can:

• - Discuss surgical indications with expert faculty members and key opinion leaders.
• - Practice instrument handling and procedural techniques.
• - Receive real-time feedback on advancements in technologies.

The Community Response

The publication of this landmark study has sparked praise within the broader medical community. Dr. Paul Ky, an interventional spine specialist, expressed his gratitude for participating in the study, stating the publication is "a huge win for the interventional pain community." Similarly, Dr. Erik Spayde, a Harvard-trained spine surgeon, sees the study as a “blueprint for the future,” demonstrating how safe knowledge sharing can significantly elevate patient care across various specialties.

Conclusion

Dr. Kingsley R. Chin has made essential contributions to the field of interventional pain management through this pivotal study. By promoting a novel training paradigm that allows IPM physicians to perform SI joint fusions safely, this research marks a substantial progression in outpatient spine surgery. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of collaboration between different specialties in the evolving landscape of spine care. As Dr. Chin continues to facilitate innovation and education, the future of outpatient spine care looks brighter than ever.