Everything You Need to Know About SI Fusion

What You Should Know About Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion

When suffering from SI joint pain, it is essential to know everything about this surgical treatment option before you undergo the procedure. The spinal health experts at Inspired Spine are here to break down everything you need to know about this minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Causes of SI Joint Pain

If you experience a sharp pain radiating in your lower back, your hips, or the tops of your thighs—there's a good chance that you are suffering from sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. There are many issues that can contribute to this lumbar discomfort. The most common causes of Si joint pain include:

• A spinal injury
• Osteoarthritis
• Pressure on your nerves from pregnancy
• Abnormal walking patterns

What is SI Joint Fusion?

During a SI fusion surgery, the ilium and sacrum are grafted together and stabilized by a titanium rod, compression screws, or a bone graft. The purpose of this procedure is to stabilize the joint, resulting in a reduction of pain-causing inflammation.

Traditionally, SI joint fusions involved invasive incisions and bone harvesting, resulting in more downtime after the procedure. At Inspired Spine, our team of spinal surgeons has developed a minimally invasive version of the surgical procedure that can be done in as little as a half-hour. This updated version of SI joint fusion has the following benefits over traditional techniques:

• No painful one harvesting.
• Faster recovery time.
• Smaller incisions.
• Less blood loss during the procedure.

When is SI Joint Fusion an Appropriate Treatment Option?

You Have Persistent Pain

When you suffer from SI joint pain, it affects your lower back and hip—which can get in the way of performing everyday activities. In many cases, minor back pain can be treated with physical therapy or steroid injections, but they don't address the source of your pain and only provide temporary relief.

If your pain continues to worsen over time, even with the use of other pain management techniques, you should speak with a spinal surgeon to discuss SI joint fusion as a more permanent solution.

You Have Unstable Pelvis

Whether you realize it or not, your hips play an important role when it comes to doing everyday activities like sitting, standing, and climbing stairs. When you suffer from pelvic instability, it makes it much more difficult to do these simple movements without pain and discomfort,

You Have Pain After Sitting or Standing

Typically, back pain should subside when you’re resting. If your lower back pain continues when relaxing or immediately afterward, SI joint fusion may be able to provide you with some relief.

Ensuring Proper Recovery Following SI Fusion

Following SI joint fusion surgery, it’s important that you follow your surgeon’s directions to ensure proper recovery. Along with those instructions, here are some tips to help you to jumpstart your journey toward living pain-free.

What to Expect Following Your Procedure

When you have your SI joint fusion done at Inspired Spine, you’re able to go home just 24 hours after your procedure is finished. Right after your surgery is done, you’re moved to a recovery area where you wait until you regain consciousness. Once you’re done with the recovery process, you’ll be ready to be discharged and will be sent home with oral pain medication.

Tips to Support Your Recovery

Be sure to follow the detailed aftercare instruction provided by your surgeon to make sure that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. The following tips can be used to help get you back on your feet and living pain-free in no time:

• Use a walker or cane to minimize the stress placed on your si joint
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation around the surgery site
• Use a heating pad to alleviate muscle stiffness
• Avoid applying pressure on the side that your procedure was done on
• Follow any of your doctor’s instructions that may be specific to your condition

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance—it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.