SI Joint Fusion
SI joint fusion stabilizes the sacroiliac joint using minimally invasive implants to eliminate painful motion. This procedure provides lasting relief for chronic SI joint dysfunction that hasn't responded to conservative treatment.
When SI Joint Fusion Is Recommended
- Chronic SI joint pain confirmed by diagnostic injections
- SI joint dysfunction or instability
- Degenerative sacroiliitis
- Post-pregnancy SI joint pain
- Failed conservative treatment for 6+ months
How SI Joint Fusion Works
Lateral Approach
Small incision on the side of the buttock
Joint Preparation
Decorticate joint surfaces to promote fusion
Implant Placement
Insert titanium implants across the joint
Stabilization
Implants provide immediate stability and promote fusion
Implant Options
- • Triangular titanium implants
- • Threaded fusion screws
- • Lateral fusion devices
- • Bone graft augmentation
- • Navigation-guided placement
Benefits of SI Joint Fusion
- Eliminates painful SI joint motion
- Minimally invasive approach
- Outpatient procedure option
- Rapid return to activities
- High success rate for pain relief
- Preserves normal walking pattern
Risks & Considerations
- Infection, bleeding, or anesthesia risks
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Implant malposition or loosening
- Failed fusion (pseudarthrosis)
- Continued pain from other sources
Recovery Timeline
Surgery Day
Outpatient procedure; walking same day; home within hours
Early Recovery
Limited bending and lifting; walking encouraged; pain improvement
Activity Progression
Return to work and light activities; physical therapy begins
Fusion Development
Gradual return to all activities; fusion progressing
Ideal Candidates
- Positive diagnostic SI joint injection
- Chronic SI joint pain (>6 months)
- Failed comprehensive conservative care
- Good bone quality for fusion
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
Alternative Treatments
Conservative Options
- • Physical therapy and core strengthening
- • SI joint injections (steroid or PRP)
- • Radiofrequency ablation
- • Activity modification and bracing
Surgical Alternatives
- • Open SI joint fusion
- • Posterior SI joint fusion
- • Combined lumbar and SI fusion
- • Revision fusion if initial fails
Why Choose Greenberg Spine
Fellowship Training
Advanced training at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University
Precise Diagnosis
Thorough evaluation to confirm SI joint as pain source
Advanced Techniques
Minimally invasive approaches with latest implant technology
What to Expect
Pre-Operative
- • Diagnostic SI joint injection to confirm pain source
- • CT scan for surgical planning
- • Medical clearance and optimization
Surgery Day
- • General anesthesia with monitoring
- • 1-2 inch lateral incision
- • 45-90 minute procedure duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Stabilize Your SI Joint
Schedule a consultation to determine if SI joint fusion is the right solution for your chronic pain.
Related Procedures
Evidence Snapshot
Research-Backed Benefits
- Minimally invasive SI fusion shows superior outcomes vs conservative care
- Significant pain reduction and functional improvement
- High patient satisfaction rates at long-term follow-up
- Rapid return to activities compared to open techniques
Clinical Evidence
- Success rates of 70-85% for properly diagnosed SI joint pain
- Fusion rates exceed 85% with modern implant systems
- Low complication rates with experienced surgeons
Evidence & Research — FAQs
How effective is SI joint fusion compared to conservative treatment?
Randomized controlled trials show SI joint fusion provides significantly greater pain relief and functional improvement compared to conservative management in properly selected patients. The benefit persists at long-term follow-up.
What does research show about fusion rates?
Studies using CT imaging demonstrate fusion rates of 85-95% with modern triangular titanium implants. Solid fusion correlates with better clinical outcomes and sustained pain relief.
How important is diagnostic injection before SI fusion?
Evidence strongly supports using diagnostic SI joint injections to confirm pain source. Patients with 75%+ pain relief from injection have significantly better surgical outcomes than those without positive response.
Does SI fusion affect adjacent joints?
Research shows minimal impact on adjacent lumbar or hip joints. The SI joint has limited natural motion, so fusion rarely causes compensatory stress on neighboring structures.
What factors predict successful SI fusion outcomes?
Studies identify positive diagnostic injection, absence of widespread pain, and proper surgical technique as key predictors. Patients without significant psychological comorbidities also achieve better outcomes.
Summaries reflect current literature; individual results vary.
Information is educational, not medical advice. Outcomes vary. Consult Dr. Greenberg for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations.