title: An initial report on a new technique: retroperitoneoscopy for the diagnosis of anterior sacroiliac joint pathology.
abstract: METHODS
  An early clinical trial of retroperitoneoscopy as a diagnostic tool in visualization of anterior sacroiliac joint tuberculosis and for taking biopsy with less morbidity is reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of retroperitoneoscopy for anterior sacroiliac joint visualization and taking biopsy at the suspected sacroiliac joint arthritis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Conventional invasive approach (retroperitoneal) has been described to access the diseased anterior sacroiliac joint with inherent significant morbidity associated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The retroperitoneoscopy technique was used in 2 cases of anterior sacroiliac joint tuberculosis. Anterior sacroiliac joint was localized by 2 portals under image intensifier guidance, visualized by a video monitor, and suspicious tissue biopsied. After the procedure, early mobilization of the patient was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High yield of diagnosis and early mobilization of the patient was noted after retroperitoneoscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retroperitoneoscopy is a minimal access surgical approach to the anterior sacroiliac joint tuberculosis, without violating the posterior cortex and neural structures, with the advantage of early mobilization of the patient after the procedure. This is an early report and further study is needed to confirm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, Avanashi Road Coimbatore, India. drsugavanam@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sugavanam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandrashekar
authors.forename: Ananda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kirouchenane
authors.forename: John A C
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thanakumar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000473:pathology*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000473:pathology*; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000473:pathology*