Injury or damage to a sacroiliac joint often causes severe pain in the lower back, pelvis, hips, legs and groin area. Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion is a procedure in which this joint is stabilized so you can benefit from reduced pain and restored functionality.
Here’s more about how this surgery works and how to contact University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) if you need treatment for an orthopaedic injury.
Anatomy of the Sacroiliac Joint
There are two sacroiliac joints in the body. These joints connect the sacrum (the triangular bone below the lumbar vertebrae) to the ilium (the upper part of the hip bone and pelvis).
The sacroiliac joints function as shock absorbers for the upper part of the spine. They help distribute torque, or force, from your lower body to the rest of your body. Damage or injury to one or both of the sacroiliac joints can lead to pain in one or more parts of your lower body that affects your ability to walk, run, sit, stand or lie down. You may also experience leg instability, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities.
What Is a Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
In traditional sacroiliac joint fusion, which is performed as open surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon makes one long 7-8 inch incision to access and stabilize the joint. Open surgery procedures usually require you to stay in the hospital for several days and produce long periods of downtime and recovery.
Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) sacroiliac joint fusion is far less invasive than open surgery, as it is performed through one 1-2 inch incision as opposed to one long 7-8 inch incision. Compared with open surgery, MIS sacroiliac joint fusion produces minimal downtime, less pain and fewer complications.
This procedure involves using up to three small titanium implants that are inserted across the sacroiliac joint with the intent of stabilizing the joint and restoring its functionality. The entire surgery takes about one hour in an outpatient setting. With MIS sacroiliac joint fusion, you can usually return home on the same day of your procedure and avoid hospitalization.
How This Procedure Is Performed
MIS sacroiliac joint fusion is performed under general anesthesia. You will lie on your stomach for the duration of the procedure.
First, your surgeon will make a tiny incision between 1-2 inches long on the side of your buttocks to access the ilium. The opening of the ilium will then be enlarged enough to accommodate the passage of the implants to the sacrum.
Next, the surgeon will guide the implants through the incision and secure them into place using pins and screws. If needed, the surgeon will also place a bone graft at this time. Lastly, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, and you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored until the anesthesia wears off.
Who Is a Candidate for MIS Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
You may be a candidate for this surgery if you are experiencing any symptoms of a sacroiliac joint disorder, such as pain in the lower spine or pelvis on one or both sides. This treatment may be an option for you if you are diagnosed with degenerative sacroiliitis or have an injury to one or both sacroiliac joints. Your provider can perform an exam to determine whether MIS sacroiliac joint fusion is right for you.
Recovery
The length of time it takes to recover from MIS sacroiliac joint fusion depends on the severity of your condition and on factors including your activity level and general health. You may be able to resume your usual activities within four to six weeks with your doctor’s approval, though total recovery may take between six and 12 months.
Your orthopaedic surgeon can talk to you in greater detail about what to expect from recovery based on your unique situation.
University Orthopaedic Associates offers a wide range of orthopaedic services, including treatments for injuries and conditions that affect the spine. Contact UOA today at (732) 537-0909 to request an appointment if you need treatment for an orthopaedic spine injury.
