Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Understanding SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint pain arises from dysfunction or inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joints, which connect the sacrum to the ilium of the pelvis. This area plays a crucial role in weight transfer during movement and can be a source of significant discomfort often presenting as lower back pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs. Factors contributing to SI joint pain include injury, arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory types like RA), pregnancy-related changes, and mechanical stress from lifestyle factors.
What is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
SI Joint Fusion is a minimally invasive cutting-edge technique that involves a small incision, usually less than two inches long. Under fluoroscopic image guidance, a pin, cannula, plate, titanium implant, or a structural allograft implant filled with orthobiologics is inserted across the sacroiliac joint providing stability to the sacroiliac joint.
Indications for SI Joint Fusion
Sacroiliac joint fusion is primarily indicated for patients who are experiencing severe sacroiliac (SI) joint pain due to:
- Significant Joint Instability: Conditions such as degenerative changes or trauma can lead to instability in the SI joint, causing persistent pain.
- Failed Conservative Treatments: Patients who have not found relief through conservative management options, including physical therapy, medications, or SI joint injections.
- Chronic Pain: Patients with chronic SI joint pain that severely impacts daily activities and quality of life may be considered candidates if they meet specific criteria.
- Prior Positive Response to Diagnostic Blocks: If a patient has experienced significant relief from diagnostic nerve blocks targeting the SI joints, this can indicate that fusion may be an appropriate next step.
What to Expect When You come in for the SI Joint Fusion
Preoperative Preparation:
- You will have a comprehensive evaluation by your healthcare provider to confirm the indication for surgery and discuss potential risks and benefits.
- Imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs) will typically be reviewed before surgery.
- Preoperative instructions will include medication management (e.g., what should be avoided before surgery), dietary guidelines, and arrangements for post-operative care.
Day of Surgery:
- The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or sedation.
- An intravenous line (IV) will be placed for medications during surgery.
Surgical Procedure:
- Small incisions are made over the lower back region near the affected sacroiliac joints.
- A surgical approach allows access to these joints where specialized instruments are used for stabilization. This typically involves placing screws and/or plates into the bones surrounding the SI joint along with bone graft material which encourages healing and promotes fusion between adjacent bony structures over time.
Duration of Surgery:
- The entire procedure usually lasts about 1–2 hours depending on complexity.
Postoperative Care:
- After recovery from anesthesia, patients may experience some discomfort managed with prescribed pain medications; most patients stay in outpatient settings until stable enough discharge home following recovery period monitored closely by healthcare staff ensuring safety throughout journey back normalcy restored gradually thereafter!
Possible Complications of SI Joint Fusion
While sacroiliac joint fusion is generally safe, there are potential complications associated with any surgical procedure:
- Infection: As with any surgical intervention, there's a risk of infection at incision sites requiring immediate attention. The antibiotics treatment protocols are initiated promptly if detected early.
- Bleeding & Hematoma Formation: Some bleeding may occur during surgery leading to the possible accumulation of blood around incision areas necessitating further interventions.
- Nerve Injury: The rare technical challenges could result in unintended damage to the nearby nerves. The utmost care is taken to mitigate such instances.
- Hardware-related Issues: Occasionally implanted devices might fail—either loosening or migrating necessitating follow-up revision.
We are here to help you
- At the Institute of Interventional Pain Management, we recognize how debilitating the sacroiliac joint pain can be. We understand its significant impact on daily routines, social engagements, and emotional well-being. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a personalized & comprehensive approach aimed at immediate symptom alleviation and longer-term pain management plan to improve your quality of life.