Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs caused by dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. The SI joint is located at the base of the spine, connecting the sacrum to the pelvis, and it plays a key role in supporting the upper body. When the SI joint becomes damaged or unstable due to injury, arthritis, or degenerative changes, it can cause severe and debilitating pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion can be utilized as a treatment for:
-Back Pain
-Leg & Buttock Pain
This injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.
The SI joint fusion procedure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. The surgeon makes a small incision on the side of the buttock, and using fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray), inserts specialized instruments to place small implants across the sacroiliac joint. These implants are designed to encourage the bones to fuse over time, stabilizing the joint and eliminating the abnormal motion that causes pain.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it results in less tissue damage and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional open surgery.
Recovery and post-treatment care
Most patients can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Initial recovery time typically involves rest and limited movement for a few days. Patients can usually begin light activities after 1-2 weeks, and full recovery, including the fusion of the bones, can take several months. Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve strength and mobility.
Patients may experience immediate pain relief after the procedure, but the full benefits become more noticeable as the bones fuse and stabilize the joint.
Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Long-term pain relief: The procedure provides lasting relief by addressing the root cause of sacroiliac joint pain.
Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions lead to less pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of complications.
Restored mobility: By stabilizing the joint, patients can regain the ability to perform daily activities without the debilitating pain caused by SI joint dysfunction.
Patients who have undergone Sacroiliac Joint Fusion often report significant improvement in their quality of life. For instance, a 45-year-old patient with long-standing lower back and leg pain due to SI joint dysfunction found that their pain decreased by 80% within a few weeks after the procedure, allowing them to return to work and enjoy physical activities.
Another patient who had struggled with buttock and leg pain for years experienced full pain relief within 3 months, and physical therapy helped them regain their mobility without discomfort.
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