Treatment/Treatment Details/SI Joint Fusion

SI Joint Fusion

Minimally invasive fusion for chronic sacroiliac joint pain

Experiencing Spine Pain?

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Stabilizing the Sacroiliac Joint

SI joint fusion stabilizes the sacroiliac joint for patients with confirmed SI joint–driven pain that persists despite appropriate non-surgical care. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, accurate diagnosis is critical because SI pain can mimic lumbar spine or hip pain. Diagnosis typically combines exam findings with response to targeted SI joint injections. Imaging helps rule out alternative causes.

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Who Benefits from SI Fusion?

Patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction confirmed by diagnostic injections
Individuals with SI joint arthritis or degeneration
Those with post-traumatic SI joint instability
Patients with inflammatory sacroiliitis not responding to medical management
Individuals with chronic SI joint pain after pregnancy or trauma
Those who failed conservative care including therapy and injections

What Conditions does SI Joint Fusion Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Lower Back Pain Sciatica Coccydynia

Medical illustration of Si Joint Fusion procedure at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics.

Minimally Invasive SI Fusion

Minimally invasive approach using specialized instruments and imaging
Triangular titanium implants placed across the SI joint
Performed under X-ray or CT guidance for precision
Small incisions used for implant placement
Typically treats one side (unilateral); bilateral fusion if both joints affected
Procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes

Benefits of SI Joint Fusion

Eliminates painful motion at the SI joint
Minimally invasive with small incisions and faster recovery
High fusion rate with modern triangular implants
Can dramatically improve quality of life for confirmed SI joint pain
Outpatient or short-stay procedure in most cases
Preserves mobility in surrounding joints

Recovery and Healing

Recovery Timeline: 3-6 Months for Full Recovery

Gradual return to function over several weeks to months. Weight-bearing restrictions (limited weight on surgical side) may apply for first 6 weeks. Physical Therapy helps optimize outcomes and prevent compensatory issues. Most patients notice meaningful improvement by 3 months with continued gains through 6-12 months as fusion solidifies. Pain relief continues to improve as the joint fuses completely.

Related Spine Treatments

Explore other spine treatment options:

Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgery Lumbar Fusion Surgery Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you confirm SI joint pain?

Diagnosis combines clinical exam findings (specific provocative tests) with response to diagnostic SI joint injections. If injection provides 50-75%+ temporary pain relief, it confirms SI joint as a primary pain generator. MRI helps rule out other causes.

Is SI joint pain the same as sciatica?

Can mimic sciatica but different source. SI joint pain is typically in the lower back, buttock, and back of thigh—usually not below the knee. Sciatica from nerve root compression often goes below the knee with numbness/tingling. Exam and injections differentiate them.

What if my MRI shows lumbar issues too?

Common scenario. The key is identifying the PRIMARY pain generator. Diagnostic injections (SI joint injection vs epidural) help determine which structure causes most pain. Treat the true pain generator first; other findings may be incidental.

How long is recovery from SI joint fusion?

Gradual improvement over 3-6 months. Early weeks involve activity restrictions and limited weight-bearing on the surgical side. Most patients notice meaningful improvement by 3 months, with continued gains through 6-12 months as fusion solidifies.

What are alternatives to SI joint fusion?

Continued physical therapy focusing on pelvic stability, repeated SI joint injections (every 3-6 months), radiofrequency ablation of SI joint nerves (less commonly performed), and activity modification. Fusion is reserved for confirmed SI pain failing comprehensive conservative care.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Most patients start with therapy, activity modification, and injections. Fusion is considered when pain remains function-limiting and SI joint is clearly confirmed as the primary pain generator. Schedule a consultation.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer si joint fusion evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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Meet our Doctors

Dr. Douglas Slaughter

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Douglas Slaughter is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with over two decades of experience, whose unique background in mechanical engineering informs his expertise in comprehensive and reconstructive techniques. Recognized as a 2023 Top Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, he provides highly personalized, patient-centered care designed to restore mobility and relieve pain.

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Dr. Monica McPhail-Pruitt

Pain Management

Dr. Monica McPhail-Pruitt is a highly respected anesthesiologist, dually board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain medicine, who specializes in developing expert perioperative pain strategies. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach ensures individuals are fully supported through the healing process, helping them achieve smoother recoveries and an improved quality of life.

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