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SI Joint Fusion

The SI joint connects the base of the spine to the pelvis, and chronic SI joint pain can make standing and walking difficult. Our minimally invasive SI joint fusion stabilizes the joint through a small incision to relieve pain at its source, for patients whose symptoms have not improved with conservative care.

Illustration of the pelvis with inflamed sacroiliac joints
Illustration of the pelvis with inflamed sacroiliac joints

What Is SI Joint Fusion?

The SI joint connects the sacrum to the left and right hip bones. Because the lumbar spine is immediately above it, many people confuse SI joint pain with lumbar pain. The SI joint is essential to standing and walking, so a painful joint can change quality of life quickly.
 
Minimally invasive SI joint fusion stabilizes the joint with implants placed through a small incision, so the bones fuse and the painful motion stops. It is considered after SI joint injections and other conservative care have not provided lasting relief.

What Can Cause SI Joint Pain?

The best way to determine the cause is an MRI of the SI joint and lumbar area and a comprehensive analysis. Common causes include:

Arthritis

Wear of the SI joint cartilage.

Spondylitis

Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and SI joints.

Injury

A fall or misstep that strains the joint.

Previous lumbar fusion

Extra stress on the SI joint after fusion; see pain after surgery.

Uneven leg length

Loads one joint more than the other.

Uneven hip alignment

Changes the forces across the joint.

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Am I A Candidate?

SI joint fusion is considered when SI joint pain has been confirmed, usually with an image-guided diagnostic injection, and physical therapy, medication, and injections have not helped. For a complete analysis of your condition, we suggest an in-person physical examination and MRI review.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review.
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Labeled diagram of the pelvic girdle and sacroiliac joint

How SI Joint Fusion Works

A minimally invasive SI joint fusion follows these steps:

  1. 1

    Confirming the source

    A diagnostic injection confirms the SI joint is causing your pain.

  2. 2

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable for the procedure.

  3. 3

    A small incision

    A small incision gives access to the joint with minimal muscle disruption.

  4. 4

    Placing implants

    Implants are placed across the joint under X-ray guidance to stabilize it.

  5. 5

    Fusion over time

    The bones gradually fuse, and physical therapy restores strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SI joint fusion?

SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a painful sacroiliac joint, the joint that connects the base of the spine to the pelvis, so the bones heal together and painful motion stops.

Why is SI joint pain often confused with lower back pain?

The lumbar spine sits immediately above the SI joint, and the two cause similar low back and buttock pain. A careful examination and diagnostic injection help tell them apart.

Who is a candidate for SI joint fusion?

Candidates have chronic SI joint pain confirmed by examination and a diagnostic injection, which has not improved with physical therapy, medication, and SI joint injections.

How is SI joint fusion performed?

Through a small incision, implants are placed across the SI joint under X-ray guidance to stabilize it while the bones fuse over time.

What causes SI joint pain?

Common causes include arthritis, spondylitis, an injury from a fall or misstep, a previous lumbar fusion, uneven leg length, and uneven hip alignment.

What symptoms does SI joint fusion relieve?

It relieves pain in the SI joint and the surrounding areas, including the lower back, buttocks, pelvis, and thighs, as well as difficulty walking or standing and stiffness.

What is recovery like?

Many patients walk with some protection, such as crutches, for a short period, then progress through physical therapy over the following weeks as the joint fuses.

How do I find out if SI joint fusion is right for me?

An MRI of the SI joint and lumbar area and an in-person evaluation help determine the best option. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Relieved By SI Joint Fusion

The most common symptom treated is pain in the SI joint itself, which can radiate to the thighs, buttocks, pelvis, and lower back. Other symptoms include:

  • Difficulty walking or standing.
  • Limited range of motion.
  • Stiffness in the lower back.
  • Pain that increases with sudden movements, such as coughing or sneezing.
  • Pain that decreases when lying down.
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Close-up illustration of an inflamed sacroiliac joint

Related Treatments

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections can be performed to diagnose and/or treat SI joint dysfunction. Located in the lower back and pelvis, the sacroiliac joints can become inflamed as a result of several common conditions. Degenerative spine disease, arthritis and traumatic lower back injuries can all lead to SI joint pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment option proudly offered by Total Spine and Orthopedics.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an advanced form of extended care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions to help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open SI Joint Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

Minimally invasive SI joint fusion treats the condition at its source through a small incision, with less muscle disruption than traditional open surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Treating SI joint pain at its source

    We confirm the SI joint as the pain generator before recommending fusion.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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