Marshall Health Network neurosurgeon marks 100th surgery for sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

Marshall Health Network neurosurgeon Nicolas Phan, M.D., has achieved the significant milestone of successfully performing his 100th surgery to treat sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction using SI-BONE's® iFuse Implant System. 

The SI-BONE procedure is a minimally invasive surgical solution designed to alleviate chronic pain in the SI joint, a common, yet often overlooked cause of lower back pain. Phan’s extensive experience places him among the leading providers of SI joint care. By reaching this milestone, he has demonstrated his surgical skill as well as his commitment to improving patient outcomes for those suffering from SI joint dysfunction. 

“This achievement underscores our commitment to provide leading-edge care for our patients,” said Phan, an associate professor and chair of neurosurgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “The SI-BONE procedure offers a transformative solution for individuals suffering from chronic SI joint pain, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the difference this surgery makes in their lives.” 

Patients undergoing the SI-BONE procedure benefit from reduced pain, improved mobility and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods. The triangular shape of the implant helps prevent movement in the SI joint, providing immediate stabilization. Over time, the bone grows around the implants, leading to long-term fusion and pain relief. 

Phan is a board-certified neurosurgeon with nearly 30 years of experience. He joined Marshall’s clinical faculty in 2017 and has led a team of highly skilled neurosurgeons, continuing to grow the department since his appointment as chair in 2024. In addition to SI joint dysfunction, Phan specializes in neurotrauma, including traumatic brain injury, decompressive cranial surgery and spinal cord injuries; degenerative spine surgery, including minimally-invasive spine surgery; and neuro-oncology, including brain tumors, meningiomas and spine oncology. 

Phan sees patients in Huntington (304-691-1787) and South Charleston (304-342-3891) and performs surgeries at Cabell Huntington Hospital. For more information, please visit https://www.marshallhealth.org/si-bone.  

PHOTO CAPTION: Marshall Health Network neurosurgeon Nicolas Phan, M.D., (right) and his operating room team after performing his 100th surgery to treat sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction using SI-BONE's® iFuse Implant System.