BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-documented technique for the conservative treatment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) arthropathy; however, its use in treating pain post-SIJ fusion are limited. Our paper will focus on the novel use of RFA to treat persisting SIJ arthropathy after surgical fusion of the SIJ.

CASE REPORT: Our patient is a 79-year-old woman with a past medical history of right SIJ arthropathy postfusion. She had a diagnostic right sacral nerve block performed that provided 100% pain relief for 24 hours, so RFA was pursued. RFA of the lateral branches of S1, S2, and S3 nerves was performed, and she had complete resolution of her pain.

CONCLUSION: Lateral branch block with subsequent RFA has utility in treating post-SIJ fusion pain, but has not been explored in the literature and may be a topic of future exploration in regard to treating this condition.

KEYWORDS: LDN, Low-dose naltrexone, case report, chronic pain, precipitated opioid withdrawal