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Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction can make every step miserable. At Florida Pain Medicine, our empathetic interventional pain management specialists are ready to change that for patients in and around Tampa, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Brandon, and Riverview, Florida. SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that stops the pain by stabilizing the joint that causes it. Call the office in your area today or schedule a visit online
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Q&A
What is sacroiliac joint fusion?
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the SI joints. Your body has two SI joints, on either side of the lower back, where the spine meets the pelvis.
SI joint fusion permanently connects the bones that make up the joint, reducing their movement.
When is sacroiliac joint fusion recommended?
The SI joints can become painful due to injury, arthritis, pregnancy, and repeated stress. When this joint becomes unstable or inflamed, it triggers ongoing pain in the lower back, hips, and pelvis. In some cases, it causes shooting pain that radiates down the legs.
The doctors at Florida Pain Medicine will recommend SI joint fusion if you suffer from chronic lower back or buttock pain that originates in one or both of your SI joints.
The team usually starts with physical therapy, medication, or injections. If those don’t provide enough relief, they’ll consider SI joint fusion for long-term relief.
How does SI joint fusion work?
Florida Pain Medicine’s surgeons take a minimally invasive approach, creating small incisions in the side of the buttock to access the affected joint. They use either special biocompatible (body-safe) implants or bone grafts to connect the joint. Over time, this ensures that the joint will fuse, limiting its movement but relieving the pain.
What is recovery like after sacroiliac joint fusion?
SI joint fusion is often an outpatient procedure. Recovery typically includes a short period of limited activity followed by physical therapy to gradually rebuild strength and flexibility. Many people experience significant pain relief within weeks to months after surgery.
How effective is sacroiliac joint fusion?
SI joint fusion is increasingly recognized as a highly effective treatment for patients who don’t improve with other approaches. Studies have shown that SI joint fusion can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for those with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Will insurance cover sacroiliac joint fusion?
Insurance coverage differs depending on your insurer and policy. Most plans, including Medicare, cover SI joint fusion if you meet specific criteria. The Florida Pain Medicine team will work with your insurance to confirm coverage and help with authorization.
The surgeons perform sacroiliac joint fusion at accredited surgical centers and hospitals, depending on your specific case, insurance requirements, and preferences.
To find out if SI joint fusion is the best next step for you, call Florida Pain Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.