Landmark Study Validates New Training Paradigm for SIJ Fusion in Outpatient Settings

Strategic Insights -

A major breakthrough has been achieved in the interventional spine community with the publication of a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial in The Spine Journal. Led by Dr. Kingsley R. Chin, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and founder and CEO of KIC Ventures, the study rigorously evaluates the safety and procedural competency of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion performed by interventional pain management (IPM) physicians trained using the Sacrix posterior-oblique technique under direct supervision by board-certified spine surgeons.

The study, which treated 276 patients across multiple ambulatory surgery centers, demonstrates a significant difference in outcomes between two randomized groups: those supervised by board-certified spine surgeons had 0% complications, deviations, or revisions, while those supervised by clinical specialists or sales representatives had a 4.3% complication rate and 2.4% revision rate. This breakthrough validates a new training paradigm that empowers IPM physicians to perform SIJ fusions safely and effectively when properly trained by spine surgeons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study treated 276 patients across multiple ambulatory surgery centers and evaluated the safety and procedural competency of SIJ fusion performed by IPM physicians trained using the Sacrix posterior-oblique technique.
  • 47 IPM physicians were trained by Dr. Chin using a standardized surgeon-developed curriculum, with two randomized groups: those supervised by board-certified spine surgeons and those supervised by clinical specialists or sales representatives.
  • Group 1 (supervised by board-certified spine surgeons) had 0% complications, deviations, or revisions, while Group 2 (supervised by clinical specialists or sales representatives) had a 4.3% complication rate and 2.4% revision rate.
  • Dr. Chin and his team have trained over 400 IPM physicians in Sacrix techniques, and the Visit. Education. Training. (VET) Tour has been launched to provide hands-on cadaver and didactic training to IPM physicians.
  • The VET Tour features state-of-the-art operating rooms designed for hands-on training, where physicians can practice instrument handling and procedural steps, and receive real-time feedback on improving technologies.

Statistics:

  • 276 patients were treated across multiple ambulatory surgery centers.
  • 47 IPM physicians were trained by Dr. Chin using a standardized surgeon-developed curriculum.
  • Group 1: 0% complications, deviations, or revisions.
  • Group 2: 4.3% complication rate; 2.4% revision rate.
  • Over 400 IPM physicians have been trained by Dr. Chin and his team in Sacrix techniques.
  • The VET Tour has been launched to provide hands-on training to IPM physicians, with a focus on bridging the gap between specialties through collaborative, surgeon-led training.

Sources:

  • The Spine Journal -- May 16, 2025 | DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2025.05.014
  • PRNewswire -- May 21, 2025
  • KIC Ventures