Treatment Options

Options for treating the Sacroiliac Joint.

Some patients respond to physical therapy, chiropractic manipulations, use of oral medications, as well as injection therapy. Intermittent use of a pelvic belt may provide symptomatic relief as well. These treatments are performed repetitively, and frequently symptom improvement using these therapies is temporary. At this point, your surgeon may consider other options, including surgery, for your sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System®

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a surgical procedure performed in an operating room, with either general or spinal anesthesia. You will be lying face down while your surgeon uses a specially designed system to guide the instruments that prepare the bone and insert the implants. Both the surgical technique and the iFuse Implant System are designed to offer the maximum protection to your surrounding tissues and minimize soft tissue exposure.

The entire procedure is performed through a small incision (approximately 2-3cm long), along the side of your buttock. During the procedure, fluoroscopy provides your surgeon with live imaging during the procedure to facilitate proper placement of the implants. Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of internal structures using X-rays. Normally, three implants will be used, depending on your size.

The procedure takes about an hour. You may feel comfortable enough to return home a couple of days following surgery. However, your surgeon will make this decision based on your postsurgical status.

Following the Surgery

At discharge, your surgeon will arrange follow-up visits to assess your progress, health status (including the status of your incision) and may take additional images of your implant site. Your doctor will advise you when it is appropriate to resume your daily weight bearing activities as your symptoms allow. Return to work will depend on your postsurgical progress and occupation.