Sacroiliac joint fusion alignment guide

Abstract

A device and method for defining a trajectory for instruments in a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure employs a handle and two movable guidance arms that are separated by an adjustable distance. The first guidance arm has a substantially straight pronged distal end terminating in a first prong, a second prong and a space between the first prong and second prong defining a first point in a straight trajectory for inserting screws into a sacroiliac joint. The guidance arm forms a receiving bore on a distal end thereof to define a second point in the trajectory. The pronged distal end is inserted through a posterior incision in the patient into a cored-out sacroiliac joint, with the second guidance arm outside the body, and the orientation of the alignment guide is adjusted by pivoting the alignment guide about the pronged distal end to determine a suitable trajectory. Instruments and implements are placed along the trajectory and guided by the alignment guide to drill screw holes and insert screws used in the sacroiliac joint fusion procedure into the screw holes.