Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a condition that affects the SI joints, leading to lower back and pelvic pain. It can result from various causes, including arthritis, injury, pregnancy, and repetitive stress. The primary aim of SI joint fusion is to relieve chronic pain associated with SI joint dysfunction by stabilizing the joint, thereby preventing abnormal movement and reducing pain.
The most common symptom of SI joint dysfunction is lower back pain, typically localized to the area around the SI joints, located at the junction of the sacrum and iliac bones of the pelvis. The pain may be concentrated over one or both SI joints, often on one side of the lower back or pelvis. SI joint dysfunction pain can radiate into the buttocks, hips, or thighs, and sometimes extend into the groin or down the leg, though it usually does not extend below the knee. Pain is often aggravated by activities such as standing, walking, climbing stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing. Specific movements or positions may trigger or worsen the pain. While the severity and exact location of the pain can vary among individuals, lower back pain remains the hallmark symptom of SI joint dysfunction.
The sacroiliac joint fusion procedure involves the following steps:
- Evaluation: Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) and diagnostic tests to confirm that the SI joint is the source of pain.
- Anesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s health.
- Small Incision: A small incision is made in the lower back or buttock area over the sacroiliac joint. In minimally invasive surgery, the incision is usually less than an inch in length.
- Joint Preparation: The surgeon uses specialized instruments to prepare the joint for fusion by removing cartilage and other tissues between the sacrum and iliac bone.
- Implant Placement: Surgical implants, such as titanium screws, rods, or grafts, are inserted through the incision and into the SI joint to hold the bones together and promote fusion. Some systems use triangular-shaped titanium implants to ensure stability.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples, and a sterile dressing is applied to the wound.