by What is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion ?
The sacroiliac joint, commonly referred to as the SI joint, connects the sacrum to the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by abnormal motion or instability in the sacroiliac joint.
During the procedure, the Sacroiliac Joint Fusion is fused or immobilized using various fixation methods like screws, plates or cages to eliminate joint movement and relieve pain.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
There are several factors that can cause abnormal movement or instability in the sacroiliac joint:
– Trauma Or Injury: A fall, motor vehicle accident or sports injury that impacts the pelvis can damage the SI joint.
– Degenerative Changes: As we age, the cartilage that cushions the bones of the SI joint may wear down, leading to pain and stiffness.
– Anatomical Abnormalities: Some people are born with joint structures that make the SI joint more prone to excessive or painful motion.
– Pregnancy/Childbirth: The hormones released during pregnancy can relax the ligaments around the pelvis. The pressure of labor and delivery can stress the SI joint.
– Overuse/Repetitive Stress: Occupations or activities that involve heavy lifting, twisting, bending or vibration can increase strain on the SI joint over time.
– Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation that deteriorates the SI joint.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Pain in the low back, hips, groins or thighs are the most common symptoms of an unstable or arthritic SI joint. Some noticeable signs include:
– Pain that intensifies with prolonged sitting, stair climbing or other activities putting weight on the joint.
– Pain that improves initially with rest but progressively worsens with movement as the day continues.
– Sharp, aching or burning pain at the lower back or rear pelvis that may radiate down the legs.
– Stiffness, difficulty walking or limited mobility in the hips and low back regions in the morning or after prolonged rest.
Non-surgical Treatment Options
If the SI joint pain is acute or mild, more conservative interventions may help before considering surgery:
– Icing/Heat Therapy: Applying cold or warm compresses can reduce inflammation and relieve pain temporarily.
– Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and prescription medications like opioids or muscle relaxants can ease symptoms.
– Physical Therapy: Specific stretches and exercises target the pelvic muscles and strengthen the core to take pressure off the SI joint.
– Injections: Steroid injections directly into the joint provide short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation.
– Bracing/Taping: Wearing a supportive belt or tape around the pelvis can stabilize the joint.
However, in severe or chronic SI joint dysfunction unresponsive to months of non-surgical care, a fusion procedure may be needed to eliminate pain long-term.
Surgical Techniques for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
A few different surgical techniques are used for SI joint fusion depending on the patient’s condition and surgeon’s preference:
– Minimally Invasive Surgery (Mis): Through small incisions, special joint implants, screws or cages are precisely guided into the SI joint under imaging guidance. This lowers recovery time versus open procedures.
– Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): The traditional “open” method, it involves making a single incision to directly visualize the joint and implant permanent fixation hardware like hollow screws and plates.
– Laparoscopic Assisted: A combination of laparoscopic and conventional open techniques that provides direct visualization and instrumentation through small incisions.
– Arthrodesis: Bone grafts taken from the hip bone are placed into the joint space with or without hardware to fuse it solid over several months as new bone forms.
Regardless of method, the goal is to immobilize and fuse the SI joint to prevent excessive sliding motion that causes low back and butt pain. Fixation devices hold the joint rigidly in proper alignment during healing.
Rehabilitation After Surgery
It generally takes 3-6 months after SI joint fusion surgery for complete bone fusion and healing to occur. During this time, patients enter a structured recovery program:
– Weeks 1-4: Light walking, active range-of-motion exercises and isometric core/low back strengthening are emphasized. Strenuous activity is avoided.
– Weeks 4-8: Walking distance increases and stretching continues, along with adding lumbar extension/flexion with support. Joint loading impacts are minimized.
– Months 3-6: Impact activities may be slowly introduced if imaging shows adequate bone growth across the joint. Full recovery depends on the patient’s age, health and surgical procedure.
– Lifelong: Core-focused fitness helps maintain strength to protect the fused SI joint. High impact activities requiring jarring motions must be kept to a minimum.
Success Rate of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery
When performed by an experienced surgeon, SI joint fusion yields success rates of 80-90% for reducing pain and improving mobility in properly selected candidates. Predictors of better outcomes include:
– Shorter duration of pre-surgical symptoms
– Isolated sacroiliac joint as clear pain generator
– No concurrent lumbar problems
– Younger, healthier patients
– Adequate time for post-surgical rehabilitation
While it carries risks like any operation, sacroiliac joint fusion provides effective, long-lasting relief for many struggling with chronic, debilitating low back or gluteal pain resistant to all conservative therapies. With proper patient selection and rehabilitation, most individuals can regain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical option that stabilizes an injured or arthritic SI joint using various fixation methods. It aims to eliminate pain caused by abnormal joint movement or instability unresponsive to nonsurgical care. With a structured recovery process, it provides relief in 80-90% of candidates suffering from chronic sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
