Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
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
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1746882028
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic lower back pain caused by issues with the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. This is often considered when physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided relief.
The procedure uses a small incision and specialized tools to insert implants that fuse the sacrum and ilium, stabilizing the joint and reducing painful movement.
This may help relieve: ✔️ Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, which worsens with movement or prolonged sitting. ✔️ Instability while standing or walking. ✔️ Difficulty with twisting or bending movements.
The minimally invasive approach allows for quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. By stabilizing and compressing the joint, many patients experience long-term pain relief and improved function.
Alternatives to surgery include: ✔️ Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles. ✔️ Medications, such as N SEDS or muscle relaxants, for symptom relief. ✔️ Steroid injections to reduce inflammation. ✔️ Regenerative options, like PRP or bone marrow-derived therapies, to promote healing.
Possible risks include: ✔️ Infection at the surgical site. ✔️ Nerve or blood vessel injury. ✔️ Anesthesia-related complications. ✔️ Incomplete fusion, which may require additional surgery.
If conservative treatments haven’t worked, SI joint fusion may provide lasting relief. Talk to our team to find the best approach for you.
FAQs
What are the alternatives to sacroiliac joint fusion?
Alternatives to the surgery include conservative treatments like physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants for symptom relief, steroid injections to reduce inflammation, and regenerative therapies like PRP or bone marrow-derived treatments to promote healing.
What are the risks associated with sacroiliac joint fusion?
Possible risks of the procedure include infection at the surgical site, injury to nerves or blood vessels, complications related to anesthesia, and incomplete fusion that might require additional surgery.
What can patients expect during recovery from sacroiliac joint fusion?
Recovery from sacroiliac joint fusion generally involves a short hospital stay of 1–2 days due to its minimally invasive nature. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks and follow a rehabilitation plan involving gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy to restore movement. Desk job workers may return to work within two weeks, while those in physically demanding jobs might need 2–3 months for recovery.
What is sacroiliac joint fusion and when is it considered?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing the sacroiliac joint to alleviate chronic lower back pain. This procedure is typically considered when other treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have not successfully relieved pain.
What symptoms can sacroiliac joint fusion help relieve?
The procedure is designed to provide relief from pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, particularly pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting. It also addresses instability issues while standing or walking, and difficulty with twisting or bending movements.