If you suffer from sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, you are not alone. Of those who experience chronic local back pain, 15 to 30% have an issue with their SI joint. While this condition can be treated with non-surgical methods, some serious cases may require sacroiliac joint fusion, a minimally-invasive surgery that helps improve stability in the SI joint. If you need this surgery, you may worry about the procedure, pain, and recovery. Fortunately, sacroiliac joint fusion is not a major surgery and has a quick recovery time.
If you have lower back pain, it’s crucial to have a trusted professional supporting you through the treatment process. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we take a patient-first approach and create customized plans based on your health history. Our professional team also tries every method to alleviate your pain before deciding on surgery. If you need sacroiliac joint fusion, we are here to answer all your questions and let you know what to expect. We support you before, during, and after treatment, so you never feel alone.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
SI joint fusion is a short procedure that helps relieve lower back pain by stopping movement in the area. Surgeons do this by making a small incision and fusing the two bones that make up the SI joint with screws, rods, or bone grafts. The details of this procedure include:
- You receive general anesthesia for this procedure, so you have a painless experience.
- Once under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision in your lower back and moves the muscle aside gently.
- We use a drill to make a small hole in the ilium to access the SI joint.
- Your surgeon clears the ligaments and muscles from the SI joint and places bone grafts and implants across it to encourage bone growth.
- We put the muscles back in place and close the incision.
SI joint fusion is an outpatient surgery, meaning you get to go home the same day. During the recovery process, you can expect to take pain medications, attend physical therapy, and return to work and other activities in a few weeks. However, the fusion itself can take up to six months to complete.
Who May Qualify for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery?
When treating SI joint pain, we try every non-surgical method, including rest, ice, and cortisone injections, before trying surgery. If you meet the following criteria, you may be an ideal candidate for SI joint fusion:
- You received a sacroiliitis or SI joint disruption diagnosis
- You have had positive results from SI joint injections
- No other non-surgical options have caused long-term relief
We carefully examine your SI joint’s condition and physical health before determining if you qualify for the surgery to ensure it is the right solution. Our supportive team strives to provide a stress-free experience, so you can get back to your life and activities you enjoy.
Speak With a Knowledgeable Professional at NJ Spine & Orthopedic About Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Today
Lower back pain can severely reduce your quality of life, making it difficult to sleep, work, and exercise. If this is the case for you, you deserve a compassionate specialist willing to try every solution to relieve your pain and restore the function of your SI joint. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we take every measure to fix your SI joint issue, including sacroiliac joint fusion, if non-surgical methods aren’t effective.
We understand getting surgery can be intimidating, but we always prioritize your comfort to make you feel safe. Our experienced team provides advanced treatment options and uses the most updated methodologies to give you the care and attention you deserve. We help you get on your path to recovery, so you no longer have to endure life in pain. If you suffer from SI joint pain, give us a call at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.