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SI joint fusion is a surgical procedure that can help relieve the pain in the sacroiliac joint. A small, but important, joint in the lower back. It helps to connect the spine to the pelvis and is responsible for transmitting weight and movement from the upper body to the lower body. When this joint becomes damaged or inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. In SI joint fusion, the damaged or inflamed sacroiliac joint is removed and replaced with a metal implant. This helps to stabilize the joint and relieve pain.
Did You Know?
Sacroiliitis is a condition that affects the sacroiliac joint. It is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation and pain in the joint. Sacroiliitis can be caused by a number of things, including injury, infection, or autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for SI joint fusion?
You may be a candidate for SI joint fusion if you have pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs that has persisted for several weeks or months, and has not responded to conservative treatment options. This pain may also be accompanied by instability, stiffness, or limited mobility in the lower back, hips, groin, or legs. Your doctor will likely order X-rays and an MRI to confirm that your pain is coming from the sacroiliac joint.
What can I expect when having SI Joint fusion performed?
SI joint fusion is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. The surgery itself will take about an hour. You will be given general anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
After making small incisions in the skin over the sacroiliac joint, your surgeon will move aside the gluteal muscles to reach the sacroiliac joint. A guide pin will then be inserted and used to drill a hole into the ilium so that it reaches the sacrum. A bone graft may also be placed into the joint space if needed. The implant will then be guided into the drilled passage. Your surgeon will use screws and/or wires to secure the implant in place.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After SI joint fusion, you can expect to experience some pain and swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage this. You will likely need to take it easy for the first few weeks after surgery and you may be given a cane or walker to reduce stress on the joint as it heals. You will also need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and you may be given physical therapy exercises to complete. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within six weeks, however a full recovery can take up to six months. SI joint fusion is a safe and effective surgical procedure for treating sacroiliac joint pain. If you are experiencing pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs that has not responded to conservative treatment options, talk to our team at MVM Health: Pain, Vein, & Wellness about whether SI joint fusion is right for you
Looking for Pain Relief?
MVM Health: Pain, Vein, and Wellness services LeHigh Valley, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and surrounding communities. Reach out to us today to request an appointment.