Sacroiliac Joint Fusions

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusions stabilize the joint between your spine and pelvis, reducing pain from SI joint dysfunction. Jaime Robledo, MD, and his team at Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants in Katy, Texas, offer this minimally invasive procedure to patients struggling with lower back or pelvic pain. They provide an expert diagnosis, surgical precision, and compassionate care. Contact Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants to learn more or request an appointment online today.

What is sacroiliac joint fusion?

Sacroiliac joint fusion is a procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by dysfunction in the SI joint, which connects your lower spine to your pelvis. This minimally invasive treatment helps stabilize your joint and reduce pain by encouraging the bones to grow together.

The sacroiliac joint moves very little, unlike most other joints. However, if it becomes inflamed or stiff, it can cause considerable pain and restricted movement. 

If you have long-term SI joint pain, fusion can provide significant relief and improve your quality of life. By stabilizing the joint, SI joint fusion helps reduce inflammation and nerve irritation, making it easier to sit, stand, walk, and perform daily activities without discomfort.

What causes sacroiliac joint pain?

The SI joint can become a source of pain due to the following:

• Injury
• Arthritis
• Pregnancy-related changes
• Wear-and-tear over time

If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections don’t bring relief, the Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants team may recommend SI joint fusion to ease your pain.

How is sacroiliac joint fusion performed?

SI joint fusion is typically performed through a small incision guided by X-ray imaging. Your provider uses specialized instruments to insert implants or bone grafts into your joint to help it heal and fuse over time.

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there’s less damage to surrounding tissues, which usually means a faster recovery.

After the procedure, you should be able to go home the same day or after a short observation period. You may have some soreness or swelling, but it usually goes away within a few days.

The Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants team recommends a short period of rest followed by physical therapy. Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on their recovery progress.

Are there any risks to sacroiliac joint fusion?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks to sacroiliac joint fusion, including infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or problems with healing.

However, the Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants team uses enhanced safety protocols and the latest techniques to minimize the risk of complications during SI joint fusions.

If you’re living with ongoing low back or pelvic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, sacroiliac joint fusion might be the solution. Call Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants to see if you’re a good candidate, or schedule a consultation using the online booking feature today.