Who Is a Candidate for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we frequently evaluate and treat patients experiencing lower back and pelvic pain, including conditions such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction commonly presents with symptoms that vary in intensity and duration from person to person. Many patients who visit our clinic report persistent discomfort in the lower back or buttock region, usually concentrated on one side but occasionally affecting both sides. This pain often radiates into the hips or thighs and tends to worsen after prolonged sitting, standing, or engaging in physical activities such as climbing stairs or running.

Our patients often describe experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in the lower back, especially noticeable following extended periods of inactivity, such as after waking in the morning or after sitting for several hours. At OmniSpine Pain Management, we specifically assess transitional movements, such as changing positions from sitting to standing or exiting a car, since discomfort often increases during these activities.

Some individuals also report sensations of instability or a feeling that their lower back or pelvis might “give way” during movements or when bearing weight. In more severe cases, pain can extend further down the legs, resembling symptoms of sciatica.

Because the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction can overlap with other medical conditions, accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Our experienced healthcare providers are skilled in conducting thorough evaluations to differentiate between potential causes of lower back and pelvic pain. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort in these areas, we encourage you to visit our clinic for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan designed to restore your comfort and mobility.

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction at OmniSpine Pain Management begins with a comprehensive medical history and thorough physical examination by one of our experienced healthcare providers. During your visit, we’ll carefully discuss your symptoms—including when they started, their precise location, severity, and any activities or positions that worsen or relieve your pain. Our providers will also conduct a detailed physical assessment, evaluating your posture, alignment, and range of motion in your hips, spine, and pelvis. They will then perform specific clinical maneuvers designed to stress the sacroiliac joint, helping to determine if these movements reproduce or amplify your discomfort.

In some cases, our team may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms, including fractures, arthritis, or structural abnormalities. Although sacroiliac joint dysfunction often isn’t visible on imaging, these diagnostic tools can help eliminate other conditions and clarify your diagnosis.

To further confirm the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, our specialists may recommend a minimally invasive diagnostic injection into the joint itself, typically performed using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for maximum accuracy. If an injection of anesthetic medication into the sacroiliac joint significantly reduces or temporarily eliminates your pain, this strongly indicates that the joint is indeed the source of your symptoms.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we combine a thorough medical history, careful clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging when necessary, and precise diagnostic injections to accurately identify sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Once diagnosed, our healthcare providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment approach, guiding you toward relief, recovery, and restore mobility.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand how chronic lower back pain and discomfort can significantly impact your daily life. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your lower back or buttocks, radiating discomfort down the legs, or difficulties with mobility, your symptoms may be related to dysfunction or instability of the sacroiliac (SI) joint.

While we primarily focus on immediate, non-surgical solutions to relieve acute pain and discomfort, we recognize that some patients do not achieve lasting relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. In these cases, sacroiliac joint fusion surgery may be considered as a potential long-term solution.

Ideal candidates for sacroiliac joint fusion typically have:

• Chronic lower back or buttock pain lasting several months or longer.

• Symptoms that specifically originate from SI joint dysfunction, are confirmed by diagnostic injections that temporarily relieve pain.

• Limited or no improvement after conservative treatment measures, including physical therapy, medications, or injections.

• Imaging studies (X-ray, CT, or MRI) demonstrating instability, arthritis, degeneration, or other structural changes in the SI joint.

Your overall health and medical history will also be carefully evaluated to determine if you are suited for this surgical procedure. Factors such as age, bone density, and existing medical conditions can influence outcomes and recovery times, so it’s important to thoroughly discuss your health situation.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand how chronic lower back pain can significantly impact your daily life and overall well-being. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help alleviate discomfort and restore your quality of life.

Patients experiencing chronic lower back pain may benefit significantly from targeted medical interventions aimed at reducing pain and improving function. At OmniSpine Pain Management, we offer comprehensive evaluations that help identify the exact cause of your symptoms through thorough clinical assessments and diagnostic imaging. Based on your specific condition, severity of symptoms, and overall health status, our providers may recommend procedures such as spinal injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, or minimally invasive surgical interventions, which have shown promising outcomes for appropriately selected patients.

To maximize effectiveness, these specialized procedures are often combined with complementary therapies tailored to your individual needs, such as physical rehabilitation, personalized exercise programs, lifestyle modifications, and medication management.

While results can vary among individuals, our medical professionals take the time to discuss your unique situation, answer your questions, and collaboratively develop a customized treatment plan to help you effectively manage chronic lower back pain and regain your active lifestyle.

If you are considering sacroiliac joint fusion, it’s important to consult with an expert like Dr. Andrew Morchower, who can guide you through the process and determine whether this surgical option is right for you. With his expertise at OmniSpine Pain Management, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Whether you suffer from chronic back pain, arthritis, or a history of trauma, Dr. Morchower can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.  For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.