When non-surgical treatment options have failed to provide the relief needed to restore everyday function and quality of life, your physician may suggest SI Joint fusion surgery.

When SI Joint Fusion is Recommended

SI joint fusion surgery is usually the final step of the treatment process in the search for lasting relief from SI Joint Dysfunction. Most patients will not need surgery to correct their SI joint problems. But if you’ve tried conservative therapies—like anti-inflammatory or pain medications, braces, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or sacroiliac joint injections—for at least six months without lasting relief, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive SI joint fusion surgery.

Stability -The Goal of SI Joint Fusion

If you’re suffering from SI Joint Dysfunction your goal is clear – lasting pain relief. But in order to achieve it, your SI joint must be stabilized. SI joint fusion surgery is designed to stabilize the dysfunctional Sacroiliac joint by fusing the sacrum (the triangle-shaped bone at the base of the spine) and the pelvic bone together. When performed successfully, the resulting stabilization offers the potential to return to an active lifestyle and regain the ability to perform the daily tasks that keep life moving forward.

SI Joint Fusion – The Early Years

Historically, traditional SI joint fusion surgery was a complex and invasive procedure involving an “open” approach to the SI joint. Unfortunately, open SI joint fusion surgery is associated with significant risks such as blood loss, damage to surrounding nerve tissue, disruption of important muscle and ligament structures, a longer hospital stay and longer recovery time before returning to work.

In order to lower the serious risks associated with open SI joint fusion, minimally invasive surgical approaches for SI joint fixation and fusion have been developed.

Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion Surgery – The SImmetry Solution

In minimally invasive SI joint fusion, the goal remains the same – to stabilize the dysfunctional SI joint. But this approach offers some key benefits that the traditional open SI joint fusion procedure does not. The SImmetry approach typically takes no more than an hour to perform, has fewer post-operative complications than open surgery and involves:

• General anesthesia
• Minimal blood loss
• Small incision—typically only a few centimeters—on the side of the buttock
• Little to no disruption of critical muscle and ligaments stabilizing the SI joint
• Brief hospital stay
• Short limited weight bearing recovery period
• True SI joint arthrodesis

When it comes to effectively treating SI joint dysfunction, there are now more options than ever before. Although SI joint fusion surgery isn’t right for everyone, it can benefit those patients who are appropriate candidates. As with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks associated with SI joint fusion surgery. Be sure to discuss these with a spine specialist who is skilled in diagnosing and treating patients with SI joint dysfunction. Click here to locate a physician near you.