
Sacroiliac Fusion
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is a source of lower back pain and/or leg pain. The pain is caused by damage or injury to the Sacroiliac joint located at the junction of the spine and hip.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion is the standard surgical procedure recommended for SI joint pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, the procedure can be minimally invasive or open. The objective of this surgery is to eradicate pain by limiting movement at the Sacroiliac SI Joint by attaching the Ilium to the Sacrum.
Sacroiliac Fusion procedure involves the use of implanted screws or rods, as well as a possible bone graft across the joint. Recently, minimally invasive procedures have been developed that can help in pain relief and disability in a shorter time period.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion is only recommended once conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
Who needs Sacroiliac Fusion? Â
CMW’s board-certified spine health specialists recommend Sacroiliac Fusion to patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with degenerative sacroiliitis or SI joint dysfunction.
- Have lower back pain which spreads to the lower extremities of the body.
- Are experiencing instability of the lower back and pelvis.
- Have tried conservative treatment options for at least 8-12 weeks to no effect. They include Pain Medication, Steroid Injections, and Physical Therapy, etc.
SI Joint Pain is hard to diagnose because it mimics the symptoms of other conditions like herniated discs or arthritis. Spine Specialists arrive at a conclusion after a physical examination. Additionally, SI joint pain does not cause neck pain like the other two conditions.
How Is It Performed?
A minimally invasive Sacroiliac Fusion is the safest surgical option for SI joint pain. The following steps can be expected from the surgery:
- The patient is administered general anesthesia.
- A small incision is made in the lower back through which a hole is drilled in the Ilium to access the SI joint.
- A bone graft is placed along with surgical implants to fuse the Ilium to the Sacrum.
- Ligaments and muscles are put back in place, and the incision is sutured. Barring complications, the patient is discharged 24-48 hours after the surgery.
CMW offers the most effective Sacroiliac Fusion in NJ.
Need help finding a doctor who gives you the best neuro spine care in New Jersey? Call CMW now and schedule your appointment today.
FAQ’S
What Is the Success Rate of SI Joint Fusion?
- For 77 percent of patients who underwent a SI joint fusion reported reduced pain of 85 percent.
- 4 percent of patients reported 75 percent improvement in their disability after their SI joint fusion surgery.
What Is the Recovery Time for a Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
- The entire recovery process of a sacroiliac joint fusion surgery can take up to six months.
- You may experience pain and some symptoms after the surgery, but they begin to alleviate within a few weeks.