Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are the foundation of the spine, located at the junctions of the sacrum and ilium on each side. These complex joints, composed of systems of ligaments and multiplanar joint surfaces, transmit the forces exerted through the spine from the upper body to the legs. The (SI) joint is designed to absorb shock forces and is naturally limited to only minute motion. Instability in the (SI) joint is a major pain generator in some patients.

There are two sacroiliac joints that connect the sacrum, located at the base of the spine, to the iliac bones that make up the pelvis. When the ligaments or bony surfaces are damaged, due to trauma, arthritis, or other conditions, the sacroiliac joints can be the source of intense pain that may radiate into the leg.

This minimally invasive procedure can help minimize rotation and micromotion that cause sacroiliac pain. The device is engineered to fuse and stabilize the joint, allowing patients to see long-term results.

During your procedure, you will be brought into the operating room where sedation anesthesia is induced. Laying in the prone position, your skin will be prepped and joint identified.

Using screws, your doctor will pass through the ilium, across the (SI) joint, and into the sacrum using a lateral oblique approach. This approach avoids sensitive anatomy, including the gluteal artery, gluteal nerves, and muscles that are potential obstacles of the straight Lateral approach.

Patients are typically walking within hours of their (SI) joint fusion procedure. Many patients can expect to return to work and perform light activities after two to three weeks. The majority of patients report a significant and lasting reduction of their pre-operative (SI) joint pain following recovery from most (SI) joint fusion procedures.

Your specific recovery guidelines will be provided by your physician. Recovery times may vary by patient.