We know how hard it is to live with hip or back pain, especially when it hurts to walk or lie down. That’s why we offer sacroiliac (SI) fusion, to help you find the relief you need to get back to the life you love.

What is SI Fusion?

Like any joint, the SI joint (where your spine and pelvis meet) can break down over time or because of an injury. The result is often a sore lower back, hip or groin.

SI fusion, a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the SI joint, can stop ongoing pain in its tracks. Using a small incision and implant system, we can fuse the SI joint and help you recover faster.

Why Luminis Health?

Luminis Health has more experience with SI fusion than any other health system in the region. Neurosurgeon Christopher Taleghani, MD, has performed more than 500 SI fusion surgeries. He has also taught courses for other surgeons and providers and has been an invited speaker at national conferences on the subject.

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Diagnosis

To find out if SI fusion is right for you, one of our surgeons will recommend several diagnostic tests to determine whether your SI joint is the source of your symptoms and to rule out other conditions. These tests may include imaging like X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI.

We may also inject pain medication into your SI joint. If your symptoms decrease by at least half, we can conclude your SI joint is involved in your pain. If your symptoms don’t change, on the other hand, your SI joint probably isn’t the culprit.

What Does SI Fusion Treat?

You may benefit from SI fusion if you have any type of SI joint dysfunction, if your SI joint has degraded from a fracture or after other back procedures, such as a lumbar fusion.

Common symptoms that SI fusion can help alleviate include:

Buttock, hip, groin or pelvic pain
Lower back pain, below the L5 vertebra
Numbness and tingling in the lower half of your body
Weak legs that buckle or give way

SI fusion may also be right for you if you aren’t able to sit for long periods, have to sit to one side to be comfortable or have trouble moving from a seated to standing position.

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What to Expect

SI fusion takes about 30 minutes. During that time, your surgeon will make a 1–2 cm incision on the side of your buttocks. Then, they will place three, small triangular titanium implants across the SI joint. These implants make the joint as stable as possible, reducing your pain and improving your function.

SI fusion has a very high success rate. After surgery, patients typically recover in about three weeks while using a walker or crutch. Most don’t need physical therapy during this time.

If you’re interested in learning more about SI fusion, the first step is to schedule a meeting with one of our surgeons. They’ll review your condition to confirm your diagnosis and explain your treatment options.

Call 443-951-4994 to make an appointment today.