Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

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Put Joint Pain in the Past, Regain Your Quality of Life

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is the joint connecting the sacrum to the left and right iliac bones that compose the pelvis. The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine. It is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis. One of the functions of SI joints is to absorb shock on the upper body, pelvis, and legs. They also help stabilize the body and maintain an upright posture.

SI joints have to bear the full weight of the upper body when you stand erect. This puts stress on the joints and causes wearing of the cartilage of the SI joint, and over time leads to degenerative arthritis.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Hypermobility or too much movement in the sacroiliac joint from work or a sporting activity can cause pain. The pain occurs in the lower back and/or hip and travels down to the groin area.

When the SI joints move too little (hypomobility), the pain is felt on one side of the lower back or buttocks and can travel down to the back of the leg. It can also affect mobility.

Inflammation of one or both of the SI joints is called sacroiliitis. It can be caused by wear and tear on the joints or be a symptom of a larger inflammatory condition like ankylosing spondylitis.

Treating SI Joint Pain

In most cases, SI joint pain can be effectively managed using non-surgical treatments. Rest, applying ice or heat, pain medication, chiropractic procedures, supports or braces, and joint injections, help in managing the condition initially.

If pain and other symptoms of sacroiliac dysfunction persist, sacroiliac joint fusion is considered.

There are two options: surgery or minimally-invasive treatments. The surgery uses screws, rods, and bone graft to fuse the ilium and sacrum, and eliminate joint motion. You may need to stay one or two nights at the hospital following the procedure.

Surgery is recommended if several weeks to months of non-surgical treatments have yielded no improvement. Risks of surgery include no reduction in pain, an unsuccessful fusion of the joint, and pressure and pain in the lower back.

Minimally-invasive procedures can improve pain outcomes and reduce recovery time. We use the LinQ™ – SI Joint Fusion System for the fusion and stabilization of the SI joint.

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Risk Factors for SI Joint Dysfunction

Young and middle-aged women are most vulnerable to SI joint dysfunction. Other factors that can increase the risk of sacroiliac dysfunction include:

  • Pregnancy or recent childbirth: Hormonal and pelvic changes can cause ligaments in the SI joint to relax or remain loose.
  • Scoliosis: Pelvic joints can get stressed when the weight of the body is shifted to one side.
  • Following back and hip surgeries: There are cases of patients reporting sacroiliac joint pain after fusion surgery or hip joint replacement surgery.
  • Repeated stress on the joints: Sports occupations, jobs that require physical exertion, and prolonged sitting or standing can lead to SI joint pain.

A Look At the LinQ™ - SI Joint Fusion System

In the procedure, a LinQ allograft is placed into the SI joint to immediately improve joint stability. A single incision is made in your back and the bone allograft is implanted. A posterior approach reduces the risk of injury to nerves and large blood vessels. The blood loss is minimal and trauma to your body is lesser than conventional joint fusion surgery.

You can leave soon after the procedure and get back to your daily activities after a few weeks. Our doctor will provide the appropriate instructions so you can make the best decisions and recover quickly.

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Advantages of a LinQ™ Procedure

  • Minimally invasive
  • A short procedure
  • No metal implanted
  • Quick recovery time
  • Safe and effective
  • Approved by most insurance companies

When to Consider LinQ™

If you’re experiencing severe chronic pain from sacroiliac dysfunction and previous treatments have proven ineffective, you may qualify for a LinQ™ procedure. It may also be a viable option if you have developed adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion or other back surgery.

Book your consultation to understand if you’re a good candidate, based on your specific condition, pain, and medical history.

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