Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization/Fusion

A sacroiliac joint fusion, utilizing a bone allograft, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain in patients with chronic sacroiliac joint disorders. Your surgeon performs this 45-minute procedure in the operating room under X-ray guidance.

Who is a candidate for sacroiliac joint stabilization/fusion?

Patients with a history of chronic low back pain related to sacroiliac joint inflammation or arthropathy are candidates for this procedure.

What are symptoms of sacroiliac joint arthropathy?

The signs and symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain involves pain in the lower back or buttock that may radiate to the hip and groin. Patients may also experience weakness and tingling in the leg. Pain usually increases when standing up from a seated position.

What are the causes of sacroiliac joint pain?

Causes of sacroiliac joint pain range from trauma to prior back surgery. Other causes include pregnancy and childbirth, ankylosing spondylitis, obesity and aging.

What are most common treatments for sacroiliac joint pain?

Conservative treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, pain medication and steroid injections. Sacroiliac joint fusion, using a minimally invasive technique, is an option if conservative treatments are not effective.

How is the procedure performed?

You will be positioned on your stomach on the procedure table. The lower back will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic; you will also receive intravenous anesthesia by an anesthetist. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your lower back and insert a small bone graft between the sacroiliac joint, or fuse the joint using a titanium implant, under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. Recovery time is minimal.