Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Fusion
The sacroiliac joint is the largest joint in the body. It serves to connect the spine/tailbone with the pelvis and lower extremities. Sacroiliac joint pain arises from a variety of reasons including osteoarthritis (degeneration), laxity of its ligaments, trauma, and injury.
How do sacroiliac joints cause pain?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can manifest as pelvic and buttock pain below the belt-line, that may radiate into the thigh. It can lead to pain with sitting, going from sitting to standing, sleeping on one side, and other types of activity. Risk factors for development of SIJ disease includes pregnancy, older age, previous spine surgery, leg length discrepancy, and previous trauma/injury.
How do I know if a SIJ Fusion is right for me?
Diagnosis of SIJ disease involves a careful history, physical examination, provocative maneuvers, and imaging. In patients whose SIJ pain fails to improve with conservative measures such as injections, physical therapy, and medication, sacroiliac joint fusion may be the right option.
We have interventional pain specialists trained in modern, minimally invasive SIJ fusion techniques. With a small one to two-inch incision and reduced tissue dissection, this outpatient procedure involves placement of an implant under direct x-ray guidance – generally taking one hour or less. This provides the definitive treatment for SIJ dysfunction and pain. Most patients will be back to normal activity within a few weeks.
