Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

What Is Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of your spine and the ilium, the large bones that form your pelvis. Normally, this joint has very limited movement, but when it becomes inflamed, unstable, or begins to degenerate, often due to arthritis, injury, or previous surgeries, it can lead to chronic pain. People with SI joint problems commonly experience lower back or buttock pain, discomfort when standing or walking, and sometimes a sense of pelvic instability.

Why might I need a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are the foundation of the spine, located at the junctions of the sacrum and ilium on each side. These complex joints, composed of systems of ligaments and multiplanar joint surfaces, transmit the forces exerted through the spine from the upper body to the legs. The (SI) joint is designed to absorb shock forces and is naturally limited to only minute motion. Instability in the (SI) joint is a major pain generator in some patients.

There are two sacroiliac joints that connect the sacrum, located at the base of the spine, to the iliac bones that make up the pelvis. When the ligaments or bony surfaces are damaged, due to trauma, arthritis, or other conditions, the sacroiliac joints can be the source of intense pain that may radiate into the leg.

What happens during a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion?

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the SI joint, allowing patients to see long-term results and reduce chronic pain. This minimally invasive procedure can help minimize rotation and micromotion that causes sacroiliac pain.

During the procedure, you will be brought into the operating room where sedation anesthesia is induced. Laying in the prone position, your skin will be prepped and joint identified. The surgeon will make a small incision, typically along the side of the buttock, and uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) to precisely guide surgical instruments. Damaged tissue or cartilage may be cleared away to prepare the joint for fusion, and one or more titanium implants are inserted across the SI joint to strengthen and stabilize it. In some cases, a bone graft is added to encourage bone growth and support long-term fusion. The surgery usually takes about an hour under general anesthesia, meaning you will be fully asleep during the procedure.

Using screws, your doctor will pass through the ilium, across the (SI) joint, and into the sacrum using a lateral oblique approach. This approach avoids sensitive anatomy, including the gluteal artery, gluteal nerves, and muscles that are potential obstacles of the straight Lateral approach.

What happens after a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion?

Patients are typically walking within hours of their (SI) joint fusion procedure. Many patients can expect to return to work and perform light activities after two to three weeks. The majority of patients report a significant and lasting reduction of their pre-operative (SI) joint pain following recovery from most (SI) joint fusion procedures. Your specific recovery guidelines will be provided by your physician. Recovery times may vary by patient.

To learn if your pain and other symptoms can be relieved with an Sacroiliac Joint Fusion, call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today.