Sacroiliac joint pain is often mistaken for common lower back pain because of its location; however, when this joint is not healthy, your mobility and overall lifestyle are affected, and simple daily things become challenging. Likewise, if you don’t treat it promptly, it can lead to complications or force you to manage the discomfort over time. Therefore, if you have experienced an injury in your SI joint, you can opt for sacroiliac joint fusion to relieve your pain and regain mobility with a minimally invasive procedure that can provide a permanent solution to your instability.
Regardless of whether you are experiencing minor or severe pain, the University Pain and Spine Center team is committed to helping you relieve any joint pain that you are feeling in New Jersey.
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical procedure designed to stabilize the sacroiliac joint, which is located at the junction of the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the iliac bones of the pelvis. This joint plays a crucial role in transferring weight between the upper body and lower limbs while allowing for minimal movement necessary for walking and bending. However, when the SI joint becomes unstable or undergoes degeneration due to factors such as arthritis, trauma, or injury, it can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Sacroiliac joint fusion aims to address this pain and restore stability to the affected joint.
31.7% of primary patients with low back pain demonstrate SI joint abnormalities; however, most patients don’t identify sacroiliac joint pain until they obtain an imaging diagnosis or visit a specialist. If you can identify if your discomfort is related to the SI joint, you can treat the condition earlier and prevent complications. You can watch for the following symptoms to identify your pain location:
The procedure involves fusing the two bones of the sacroiliac joint together, which effectively eliminates motion at the joint. Typically, implants such as screws, plates, or rods, or bone grafts are incorporated to encourage natural bone growth between the sacrum and iliac bones. These implants and grafts promote healing and eventually result in a solid fusion, providing long-term stability to the joint. The goal is to reduce the abnormal motion that causes pain and to improve function. This allows you to resume normal activities with less discomfort. Take a look at a short video explaining the procedure with the iFuse implant system:
Before the Transloc technique, SI fusion required extensive incisions and lengthy hospital stays, but with this innovative alternative, patients in New Jersey offer shorter recovery periods and minimal incisions. Additionally, the Transloc technique offers three determining pillars for your recovery process:
The sacroiliac joint supports your upper body weight; therefore, the implant must adapt to the constant movement. In the Transloc system, the implants are specifically designed to achieve solid, immediate fixation, minimizing micro-movements during daily activities and eliminating the need for large plates in the pelvic region.
Unlike conventional open surgical procedures that damage large areas of muscles and connective tissues, the Transloc technique accesses the area with minimal incisions. This means less damage to healthy tissue, less post-surgical pain, and significantly smaller scars, all key factors in your recovery.
Joint-related injuries are a common concern for patients, especially how they will regain mobility; however, the Transloc system prioritizes stability from the first moment, so many patients can start walking or moving sooner than usual with traditional fusion.
Sacroiliac joint fusion is often used when more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, fail to provide adequate relief. We may recommend this for patients suffering from chronic sacroiliac joint pain due to instability, arthritis, or degeneration. Symptoms such as leg, buttocks, or low back pain may be relieved as the fusion addresses the underlying cause. We can perform the procedure using various techniques. A minimally invasive approach is often available because it uses smaller incisions and typically offers a quicker recovery time.
Usually, the procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia so that you won’t experience pain during the intervention. During the post-surgical process, the incisions are minimal; therefore, your natural healing process will be shorter and the pain minimal.
Most patients report significant improvement in the weeks following the procedure. While every case is unique, the primary goal of the Transloc technique is to allow you to return to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Not necessarily. If you are experiencing localized pain in your buttocks area and conservative treatments have not worked, you can contact the University Pain & Spine Center office in New Jersey to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with reliable specialists.
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally invasive and effective solution for patients dealing with debilitating pain from SI joint dysfunction. By stabilizing the joint and preventing harmful movement, the procedure can greatly enhance the patient’s mobility and quality of life. The experienced team at University Pain & Spine Center is committed to delivering comprehensive care for your treatment and recovery. Contact us to determine if you are a suitable candidate for SI joint fusion.
