Overview

The spine is made up of a column of 33 individual bones, called vertebrae, which are stacked atop one another from the base of the skull to the pelvis, and provide the entire body with structure and support. The majority of these vertebrae are separated by gel-like discs throughout the spine, but the sacrum (base of the spine and between the hips) is made up of 5 vertebrae which are fused. The sacrum protects the genito-uro nerves and connects the lumbar spine to the Iliac (hip) bones forming the sacroiliac joint. This joint allows movement of the legs relative to the body and shifts weight from the spine to the hips/pelvis. It is supported by many ligaments which provide strength and stability to the pelvic area.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

This procedure is done through minimally invasive techniques which means the incision is very small and the muscles, arteries and nerves around the spine are left intact. During the procedure, a single small incision is made on the lower back. The guide-wires are then inserted and used to place the dilation tubes which will allow the surgeon to drill and insert the implant.

Indication

SI Fusion surgery is used to treat SI Joint Dysfunction after non-operative treatments such as physical therapy, exercise programs, chiropractic and acupuncture treatments, injections and pain medications have failed

Recovery

Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Since this procedure is a minimally invasive fusion, patients usually stay 1-2 nights in the hospital and return home with a walker. Patients usually start physical therapy 4-6 weeks after surgery. Many patients return to work 3-4 months after this surgery.