Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion Surgery

Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion Surgery is performed in carefully selected patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pain that has not responded to conservative treatment.

The procedure involves decortication of the SI joint surface and placement of 2 large titanium screws across the SI joint to achieve solid fusion. All of this is accomplished through a small 3 cm incision on the buttock area, with minimal blood loss.

A specially designed surgical system guides the instruments to prepare the bone and facilitate placement of titanium implants across the sacroiliac joint. During surgery, fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) is used to ensure precise implant placement.

The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. In properly selected patients, this technique yields gratifying results — patients experience significant relief from sacroiliac joint pain and can return to normal activities.

The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (base of spine) to the pelvis and transmits load between the upper body and legs. When this joint becomes dysfunctional or arthritic, it causes pain in the lower back, buttock, and leg that can mimic disc-related pain.