Chris Bovinet, DO Medical Director, The Spine Center of SE Georgia, Brunswick, GA – Lead Author
PainTEQ LINQ® Posterior SI Joint Fusion Demonstrates Long-Lasting Pain Relief and Excellent Safety Profile in Patients With Sacroiliitis
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new U.S. multicenter study, recently published in Orthopedic Research and Reviews, confirms that posterior sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion with a cortical allograft implant, LINQ®, provides significant, sustained pain relief for patients with chronic joint dysfunction. SI joint.
The retrospective study evaluated 258 patients at 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 an average reduction of 6.01 points in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, well above the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), without report serious adverse events.
“This is the largest real-world multi-site analysis of SI joint fusion with posterior cortical allograft to date, and shows consistent, long-lasting pain relief with minimal risk,” said senior 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 affected by SI joint pain.”
Key findings of the study include:
Sustained Pain Relief: Mean NRS improved from 7.61 to 1.60 (6.01 point reduction). Quick start: MCID reached in 1 month (drop of 4.07 points). No serious adverse events, transfusions or overnight stays in hospital.
SI joint dysfunction accounts for up to 30% of chronic low back pain cases, but remains underdiagnosed. LINQ® reduces litigation risk and may enable faster recovery compared to traditional open approaches.
“We are honored to co-author the largest real-world outcomes study of posterior SI joint fusion using cortical allograft,” said Dr. Dawood Sayed, professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Kansas. “With a median follow-up of nearly two years, patients experienced a significant reduction in pain, with no serious adverse events. These findings reinforce LinQ® as a safe, long-lasting, and minimally invasive solution for SI joint dysfunction.
“This study provides critical long-term evidence that 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, evaluate fusion rates, and compare posterior and lateral approaches in terms of 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 that adverse events were rare and minor, with no serious device-related events reported at 3 or 6 month follow-up. Additionally, a case report in Orthopedic Research Reviews (PMID: 40860305) highlighted the successful use of posterior SI joint fusion in a patient with Bertolotti 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 over 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,” added Thiyagalingam. “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 long-lasting relief through a minimally invasive posterior approach using a single cortical allograft implant.
SOURCE PainTEQ
