Stabilization of the sacroiliac joint

Pain in the buttock and sometimes even well above their buttock and higher on the skeleton can origin from the sacroiliac (SI) joint. Like any other joint in the body, the sacroiliac (SI) joint can become arthritic or its support ligaments can become loose or injured by accidents or bad posture. This is especially true with lifting, running, walking or even sleeping on the involved side. In every case the pain can radiate from the back to the leg.

Anatomy

The sacroiliac joint is located in the pelvis, linking the iliac bonce (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbon). This joint transfers weight and forces between your upper body and legs. It is an essential component for shock absoprtion to prevent impact forces during walking from reaching the spine.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic imaaging or other imaging methods (X-ray. CT, MRI) could be useful for the diagnose of the SIJ syndromes.

The most widely used method to accurately determine the cause of SI joint pain is to inject the SI joint with pain medicine. A significant reduction in pain can be attributed to the SI joint if it played an important role in your lower back pain. If the level of pain does not change after the injection, the SI joint is less likely to be the primary cause.

Treatment Options

Different treatment options can relieve pain. Some patients respond to physical therapy, chiropractic manipulators, use of oral medications, as well as injection therapy. Intermittent use of a pelvic belt may provide symptomatic relief as well. These treatments are performed repetitively, and frequently symptom improvement using these therapies is temporary. Once non-surgical treatment options have been tried and do not provide relief, your surgeon may consider surgery.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System

A minimally disruptive method to fuse respectively stabilize the SI joint is the iFuse implant system. The procedure involves the insertion of three small titanium implants across the SI joint. This procedure is done through a small incision and takes about one hour. Over the last several years more than 10,000 procedures have been performed and over 700 surgeons have been trained to provide this treatment option for their patients.

Here you can learn more about this minimally disruptive option treating

Medical Guide

We would like to refer you to a detailed medical guide. This provides information on the possible causes of pain, how to identify them and what the most beneficial options are in therapy: The Painful Sacroiliac Joint (ISG): Information for Patients. By: Prof. Clément Werner, MD.