What is sacroiliac joint fusion surgery?

Sacroiliac joint fusion surgery joins (fuses) the bones at the sacroiliac joint. A joint is a place where bones meet. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of the pelvis. These joints connect the bottom of the spine (sacrum) to the upper pelvis (ilium).

The sacroiliac joints bear the weight of your torso. They also help you bend and walk. If a sacroiliac joint is stressed, this can lead to low back pain. Poor posture, arthritis, pregnancy, or other health conditions can cause stress to the joint.

This surgery makes the sacroiliac joint stronger and more stable. It helps relieve pain in the joint and in the lower back. You may have this surgery if other treatments for pain have not worked, such as physiotherapy, medicines, or wearing a brace.

How is it done?

Sacroiliac joint fusion is often done as outpatient surgery. Most people go home the same day. You will get medicine (anesthesia) so that you will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor will use a type of X-ray (fluoroscopy or CT scan) to guide the surgery.

You will probably lie on your stomach for the surgery. The doctor will make a small cut (incision) on the side of your buttock or hip. Then the doctor will place one or more implants across the sacroiliac joint to join the spine and the pelvis. The implants are often made of titanium. When the implants are in place, the doctor will close the incision.

The surgery usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Your doctor will tell you how long to expect.

Some people may have open surgery. With open surgery, the doctor makes a larger incision, and the hospital stay is longer. But open surgery is rarely used.

What can you expect after the surgery?

Your doctor will encourage you to move around soon after surgery. This can help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.

Most people can return to their normal activities within days or weeks after surgery. It’s common to have less pain and a better quality of life in a few weeks or months. You may have physiotherapy to help you recover.

Some problems from surgery may include:

• Infection.
• Problems from anesthesia.
• Nerve problems, such as a pinched nerve (not common).
• Needing a second surgery (not common).