Traditional “Open" Surgery’ for SI Joint Fusion | SI-BONE
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Traditional "Open" Surgery for SI Joint Fusion

When is traditional “open” surgery the best option for SI joint pain relief? What's the difference between open SI joint surgery and minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

Open Surgery

Traditional sacroiliac joint fusion involves open surgery that may last up to a few hours. Open surgery includes a surgical incision to access the joint, removal of cartilaginous material from the joint, and use of bone grafts and screws to help fuse the joint. Patients typically require a several-day hospital stay.

Hospital Recuperate

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or SI joint fusion requires a smaller surgical incision, less time in surgery (about an hour), which typically means less time at the hospital, and potentially a faster healing process. SI-BONE makes the only clinically proven minimally invasive solution for SI joint fusion, called iFuse, available since 2009. The procedure typically involves inserting three small triangle-shaped implants across the SI joint to fuse and stabilize it.

Read more about the iFuse Procedure

Leaving Hospital

Potential Benefits of iFuse versus Traditional SI Joint Fusion

  • Smaller incision size
  • Reduced blood loss
  • No need for bone grafting
  • Less soft tissue stripping
  • Minimal tendon irritation
  • Less time in the operating room

Treatment Options

Not sure which is the right SI joint treatment option for you? Talk to your doctor or find a trained SI joint doctor to understand the best options for your situation.

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Treatments

Questions & Answers

These “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) were created to answer some of the most common questions about the sacroiliac joint, the iFuse Implant System, and the insurance reimbursement for the procedure.

All Questions and Answers
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