Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization
Sacroiliac fusion is a surgical procedure to fuse or join the iliac bones and sacrum for stabilization.
The sacrum is a triangle shaped bone found at the base of the spine. The iliac bones are the two large bones that form the pelvis. The sacrum and the iliac bones orilium are connected together by strong ligaments and the junction where these bones meet is referred to as the sacroiliac joint. The hip area plays an important role in supporting the entire upper body weight during body movements (standing, walking, sitting, bending, etc.). This generally leads to wear and tear of the cartilage at the sacroiliac joint resulting in sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Patients suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction may experience low back pain, inflammation, stiffness and pain in the leg, thigh, groin and hip. This condition is initially treated non-surgically with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines, sacroiliac joint belt, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. If nonsurgical methods do not prove to be effective then your doctor might recommend you undergo a sacroiliac fusion surgery.
Indication
Your doctor may recommend sacroiliac fusion surgery if conservative treatment measures are ineffective and you are experiencing severe sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to arthritis, injury due to accidents or falls, being overweight, uneven leg lengths, gout, and spondylitis.
Pre-surgical care
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is diagnosed with X-ray, CT-scan and MRI. The medical history details are collected and you will undergo certain clinical examinations before surgery.
Surgical procedure
The surgical procedure involves fusing of the painful sacroiliac joint. The articular cartilage is scraped from the ends of both bones. The two bones are held together with the help of screws and plates until they fuse (grow together into one bone). This actually stops the movement between the bones and hence annihilates the joint pain.
Post-surgical care
It can take up to 6 months for you to recover completely. You can start the rehabilitation program after 6-8 weeks of surgery. Your doctor may suggest heat/ice packs, massage, electrical stimulation and ultrasound to decrease any muscle spasms and provide pain relief. Physical therapists will guide you with safe exercises as you gradually resume your daily activities.
Risk and complications
As with any surgery, risks and complications can occur. These may include:
- Swelling
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
In many patients, the benefits of surgery outweigh the complications as the surgery can help relieve the debilitating pain and discomfort of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
