When Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Recommended?

Patients often come to us with symptoms such as persistent lower back chronic pain that radiates to the buttocks, hips, or legs—pain that can be exacerbated by daily activities like standing, climbing stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing. Our team is experienced in diagnosing these issues and determining whether sacroiliac joint dysfunction is the underlying cause.

In cases where patients experience pelvic instability, balance difficulties, or a sensation of the pelvis “giving way,” our specialists conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the necessity of surgical intervention. We also address symptoms like limited range of motion in the hips or lower back, inflammation, tenderness, and nerve-related sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning in the lower extremities.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we prioritize a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives a tailored treatment plan. Our experts employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and work closely with patients to explore all possible conservative treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and injections, before considering surgical options like sacroiliac joint fusion.

Should sacroiliac joint fusion be deemed necessary, our skilled surgical team is equipped to perform the procedure with precision, aiming to alleviate pain and improve overall function. We encourage patients experiencing persistent symptoms to consult with our healthcare professionals to achieve a clear diagnosis and develop an effective treatment strategy tailored to their specific needs and lifestyles.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we prioritize accurate diagnosis of sacroiliitis causes by thorough evaluation when assessing sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Our team conducts detailed medical histories and physical exams and utilizes advanced imaging technologies to pinpoint the source of pain. When necessary, we employ diagnostic injections to ensure precise identification of the pain’s origin. For younger patients, we recognize that sacroiliac joint dysfunction can result from various causes, such as trauma, congenital abnormalities, or inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. We carefully assess these underlying factors to inform treatment decisions, ensuring that any surgical intervention, like sacroiliac joint fusion, aligns with the patient’s overall health.

Before considering surgery, our pain management specialists emphasize conservative treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and joint injections, which can effectively reduce pain and improve function. If surgery becomes necessary, we carefully evaluate the long-term implications, especially for younger patients with higher physical demands. We discuss the potential impact on biomechanics and the risk of adjacent joint issues after fusion surgery.

At OmniSpine, we take a multidisciplinary approach, involving orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and pain specialists to create personalized treatment plans. Patients are actively involved in the decision-making process, ensuring they understand all risks, benefits, and alternatives. We also address the psychological and social aspects of surgery, supporting patients throughout their journey. Our goal is to improve quality of life and achieve the best possible outcomes, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Our expert team conducts a comprehensive diagnostic process, including a detailed physical examination and advanced imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to evaluate the condition of the SI joint. Diagnostic injections are also utilized to confirm the source of pain; significant temporary relief from an anesthetic injection into the SI joint often indicates that fusion surgery could be beneficial.

At OmniSpine, we recognize that good candidates for surgery are those whose daily activities are significantly disrupted by SI joint pain and who have exhausted other less invasive treatment options. We ensure that candidates are in good overall health and possess realistic expectations about surgery outcomes, with the primary goal being pain reduction and improved function rather than complete symptom elimination.

We encourage you to engage in a detailed discussion with our spine specialists or orthopedic surgeons. Our team is dedicated to evaluating your specific case, explaining the potential risks and benefits, and helping you determine if sacroiliac joint fusion surgery is the right option for your path to pain relief and enhanced quality of life.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, our approach emphasizes a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. Before contemplating surgery, we encourage patients to explore a range of non-surgical treatment options. Our experienced team offers personalized physical therapy programs designed to strengthen the muscles around the joint and enhance flexibility. We also provide advanced pain management strategies, including medications and precise injections, to offer relief. Moreover, we guide patients in making beneficial lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and ergonomic adjustments in daily activities, to help alleviate pain.

If these conservative methods do not bring significant improvement over a reasonable period, typically from several months to a year, our specialists at OmniSpine Pain Management will discuss surgical options. It is crucial to ensure that the sacroiliac joint is the true source of pain, as its symptoms can often resemble other conditions. Our expert team conducts thorough evaluations to confirm an accurate diagnosis.

The decision to undergo sacroiliac joint fusion is made collaboratively between the patient and our healthcare team at OmniSpine Pain Management. We consider factors such as the severity of symptoms, the impact on quality of life, and the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. Each case is unique, and the timing for considering surgery will vary based on individual circumstances and response to non-surgical treatments. Our goal is to provide personalized care that aligns with the best interests and health outcomes of our patients.

Sacroiliac joint fusion offers a long-term solution for those suffering from persistent pain, improving mobility and allowing patients to return to their daily activities. If you’re struggling with chronic SI joint pain, it may be time to explore this option for lasting relief. Dr. Andrew Morchower and the expert team at OmniSpine Pain Management are dedicated to helping you find the right treatment. 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.