The posterior allograft sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a minimally invasive surgery designed to relieve chronic low back and buttock pain caused by SI joint dysfunction. This procedure involves placing a donor bone (allograft) or specialized implants into the SI joint to help it fuse and stabilize, reducing pain. It is performed under local anesthesia or local with sedation, using live X-ray guidance for precise placement. General anesthesia is rarely needed.

This surgery is best for patients with persistent pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or legs after non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or pain injections have failed.

Accurate diagnosis is critical. Provocative exams predict SI joint pain with 85% accuracy, while diagnostic SI joint blocks have high sensitivity and specificity. Together, they make diagnosis highly accurate.

Non-surgical alternatives include corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and pain medications. Surgical alternatives may involve lateral SI joint fusion techniques using implants that span the ileum and sacrum.

Risks are minimal, including infection, nerve irritation, or hardware-related issues such as misplacement of the allograft. Less common risks include blood clots or excessive bleeding.

Preparation involves confirming the SI joint as the pain source through diagnostic injections and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. Patients may need to stop smoking and fast before the procedure.

Recovery is quick with same day surgery expected. Walking and light activities are encouraged soon after surgery, but heavy lifting and excessive sitting should be avoided for several weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and fusion progress.

Studies show this procedure is safe and can significantly reduce pain while improving the quality of life when other options have failed.

Our team is here to guide you toward the best treatment for your condition.