SI Joint Dysfunction
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
1:55
4. Pseudosciatica
1:48
5. SI Joint Injection
1:49
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
6. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Sacral Insufficiency Fracture (SIF)
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A sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) is a type of stress fracture that occurs in the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of your spine. It is often caused by weakened bones from conditions like osteoporosis, which makes the bones fragile. This kind of fracture can happen even with minor stresses, like regular activities, without any major trauma.
Symptoms usually include low back pain that might feel worse when you're sitting or standing for long periods. Sometimes, people with SIF also experience pain that radiates to the hips or buttocks, making it hard to walk comfortably.
Diagnosing a sacral insufficiency fracture typically involves imaging tests. MRI is particularly helpful because it can detect these fractures early by showing areas of swelling and changes in the sacrum. Providers may also utilize CT scans, the preferred imaging modality, to obtain a detailed view, particularly when evaluating the need for surgery.
Most of the time, SIF is treated without surgery. Rest and avoiding activities that put stress on the sacrum are important to allow healing. Physical therapy exercises can help improve strength and mobility over time. Pain relief medication and a sacral support belt may also be used to manage comfort. If the fracture is severe and conservative treatments don't help, surgical options like sacroplasty might be necessary to stabilize the fracture and alleviate pain.
FAQs
How are sacral insufficiency fractures treated?
Most sacral insufficiency fractures are managed without surgery through rest and avoidance of activities that stress the sacrum. Treatment may include physical therapy to improve strength and mobility, pain relief medications, and the use of a sacral support belt. In severe cases not amenable to conservative treatment, surgical options like sacroplasty may be considered.
How is a sacral insufficiency fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a sacral insufficiency fracture usually involves imaging tests. MRI is particularly useful, as it can detect fractures early by showing areas of swelling and changes in the sacrum. CT scans provide detailed views, especially useful for assessing the need for surgical intervention.
What are the potential complications if a sacral insufficiency fracture is not treated?
If untreated, a sacral insufficiency fracture can lead to chronic pain and prolonged mobility issues. Addressing underlying risk factors like osteoporosis is crucial to prevent further fractures. In severe cases, neglecting treatment could result in the progression of pain and disability.
What is a sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF)?
A sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) is a type of stress fracture occurring in the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. It typically arises from weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Such fractures can occur even with minor stresses from regular activities, with no major trauma involved.
What symptoms might indicate a sacral insufficiency fracture?
Common symptoms of a sacral insufficiency fracture include low back pain that worsens when sitting or standing for lengthy periods. Pain may also radiate to the hips or buttocks, complicating walking and impacting overall mobility.