Signs of SI joint dysfunction
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica-like pain in the buttock or down the back of the leg
- Hip, pelvis or groin pain
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Pain climbing stairs, running or jogging
- Pain lying on one side
- Pain moving from sitting to standing
- Leg instability, numbness or weakness
- Disturbed sitting and sleep patterns
Causes and diagnosis
Causes include ligament injury, arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, trauma, pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformities and previous spine surgery. Diagnosis combines specific physical exam tests (FABER, sacral thrust, distraction and palpation tests) with X-ray, CT and/or MRI.
Am I a candidate?
SI fusion is considered for patients whose pain hasn’t improved with non-surgical care such as short rest periods, ice or heat, medication, physical therapy, braces, SI joint injections and radiofrequency ablation.
About the procedure
- A single small incision (under 1 inch) in the lower back
- No metal screws or plates, and no cutting of bone
- A small bone graft is placed into the joint to stabilize and fuse it, reducing the motion that causes pain
- Takes less than half an hour
- Patients go home from the surgery center the same day
After the procedure
- Rest and take it easy for the first 24 hours
- No lifting over 10 pounds for 6 weeks
- Walk as tolerated; no running or jumping for 12 weeks