Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the joint between the sacrum and ilium bones in the spine and hip. It's often used to treat pain that originates from the SI joint.
There are two main types of SI joint fusion procedures:
Minimally invasive
This procedure involves a small incision, usually less than two inches long, and titanium implants are inserted across the joint. It's often performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about 45 minutes.
Open
This procedure involves a surgical incision to access the joint, removal of cartilage, and use of bone grafts and screws. It can take up to a few hours and typically requires a hospital stay of several days.
After the procedure, patients can expect to experience decreased pain, reduced disability, increased daily function, and improved quality of life.
Patients may need to use a cane or walker to reduce stress on the joint while it heals, and they may also need to wear a sacral belt for stability.
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