Attend our National Patient Webinar on March 28 at 7:00 pm EST!  More Information
Support

Find a Buddy

75128537 SI Buddy Ellen photo

Ellen's Story

Location
New Jersey
Back Story
SI Joint Trauma
iFuse Implant Procedure Date
December 2020 left side, May 2022 right side
Connect with Ellen

“SI Joint Fusion Surgery is the best Gift you can give YOURSELF that doesn’t need a box, wrapping paper, or bow!!!”

Background

I was in a very serious multi-vehicle car accident in 2016. It was during a snowstorm with whiteout conditions. A truck in front of us jackknifed and was blocking both lanes of traffic. We were able to stop before hitting the truck but were hit many times from behind by other vehicles. My seat belt locked but the air bag did not deploy. We were transported by bus to a local fire station for triage. I was in shock. Once released, we rented a car and drove to my parents’ home in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Once my adrenaline was gone, I noticed pain in my neck, shoulder and left hip. I went to my primary care physician who recommended x-rays of all 3 areas. I was given ibuprofen for pain and referred to an orthopedic surgeon for my shoulder. My hip pain continued to intensify. The orthopedic surgeon ordered an MRI of my shoulder, neck and hip. It was determined I needed rotator cuff repair and the hip showed osteoarthritis. The cervical MRI showed disc herniation at C3-C6. I was referred to pain management. I did have rotator cuff repair surgery and was prescribed narcotic pain medication for my neck and hip pain. My hip pain had gone from a “floating pain” to a “meat grinder groin pain”. I was taking my medication and using a heating pad.

At this point I started to do my own research. SI joint dysfunction symptoms described online were identical to mine. In 2017, I found an SI joint fusion surgeon. After our consultation, he offered me an anterior cervical fusion and sent me for an SI joint injection. The SI joint injection relieved my groin pain for several days. It was wonderful! I was offered an SI joint fusion, but decided I wanted to try other conservative treatment options and seek a second opinion. I found a surgeon on the SI-BONE website. I brought all my previous medical records and imaging to my appointment. The surgeon felt an SI joint fusion would be beneficial and offered me the iFuse procedure.

December 2020, I had a left SI joint fusion utilizing the iFuse Implant System. My groin pain was immediately gone. I used a walker and then advanced to a cane. In 2021, I started to experience lower back pain. I went back to my iFuse surgeon. An MRI showed lumbar stenosis. I had facet injections and then lumbar decompression surgery. It did help with some of my pain. The pain then moved to my right SI joint, and I had throbbing pain in my right groin. I was given an SI joint injection which was beneficial. In May 2022, I had a right SI joint fusion. Now I can cross my legs without pain and walk as far as I want. I am back to English country dancing with my husband and working in my garden. We recently bought an antique gallery. I can bend down to the bottom shelf and get back up without any issues!



The SI Buddy® program is reserved for patients who have been diagnosed by a trained surgeon and recommended for the iFuse procedure. SI Buddy volunteers have been successfully treated with the iFuse Implant System®. Although many patients have benefited from treatment with the iFuse Implant System, patients' results may vary. They are not medical professionals and their statements should not be interpreted as medical advice.

The iFuse Implant System® is intended for sacroiliac fusion for conditions including sacroiliac joint dysfunction that is a direct result of sacroiliac joint disruption and degenerative sacroiliitis. This includes conditions whose symptoms began during pregnancy or in the peripartum period and have persisted postpartum for more than 6 months. The iFuse Implant System is also intended for sacroiliac fusion to augment immobilization and stabilization of the sacroiliac joint in skeletally mature patients undergoing sacropelvic fixation as a part of a lumbar or thoracolumbar fusion. In addition, the iFuse Implant System is intended for sacroiliac fusion in acute, non-acute, and non-traumatic fractures involving the sacroiliac joint.

There are potential risks associated with the iFuse Implant System. It may not be appropriate for all patients and all patients may not benefit. For information about the risks, talk to your doctor and visit: www.si-bone.com/risks. Rx Only.

Connect with this Buddy

* Required fields

Contact Information

Looking for Answers?

We can help. Tell us what you're looking for below.