Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for SI Joint Fusion
- Comprehensive evaluation of sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Assessment of lower back, hip, and pelvic pain to identify the sacroiliac joint as the pain source
- Rule out other spine or hip conditions
- Non-surgical treatment options when appropriate
- Conservative care as the first approach
- May include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and image-guided injections
- Minimally invasive SI joint fusion for lasting relief
- Option for patients with persistent SI joint pain unresponsive to non-surgical care
- Stabilizes the joint to reduce pain and improve function
- Experienced spine and orthopedic specialists
- Extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating SI joint disorders
- Use of advanced techniques to help patients return to daily activities with improved comfort and function
How the Procedure Works
- First, under general anesthesia, the patient lies face-down. A small incision (typically 2–3 cm) is made in the buttock to access the ilium
- Using fluoroscopic or 3D-navigation imaging, a guide pin is passed across the SI joint into the sacrum, ensuring precise alignment. The joint surfaces may be prepared (cartilage removed, joint space cleaned) to encourage fusion.
- Triangular titanium implants (or screws) are inserted across the SI joint to hold the bones firmly together. In some cases, bone graft material may be used to facilitate bone growth.
- After closure, over the following weeks and months the sacrum and ilium gradually fuse into a single, solid bone — eliminating abnormal motion and stabilizing the pelvis.
In most cases, the minimally invasive approach takes about an hour and is done on an outpatient basis.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for SI Joint Fusion if you:
- Experience chronic lower back, buttock, or hip pain localized to the SI-joint region that significantly limits standing, walking, or daily activities
- Have tried conservative treatments (physical therapy, activity modification, SI-joint injections, bracing) for an extended period without long-term relief
- Show clinical signs consistent with SI-joint dysfunction — e.g., positive provocative maneuvers (FABER, thigh-thrust, SI compression/distraction, etc.) and diagnostic confirmation (imaging, diagnostic injection) indicating SI joint as the main pain generator
- Have no contraindications such as active infection, metal allergy (when titanium implants are used), unstable pelvic fractures, or conditions that would impede healing or fusion
- Understand that fusion is a permanent change — the joint will no longer move like a normal joint — and that recovery includes a planned rehabilitation course
Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics
At BGO, patients benefit from:
- Fellowship-trained and experienced orthopedic spine specialists skilled in minimally invasive SI-joint fusion techniques
- Access to the latest implant systems (including triangular-implant fusion systems like the iFuse Implant System) designed for stability and reproducible fusion
- A comprehensive care continuum — from pre-operative diagnostics (clinical exam, imaging, diagnostic injections) to post-operative rehabilitation at our on-site physical therapy centers
- A patient-centered approach: we evaluate all non-surgical options first (PT, injections, bracing) and only recommend surgery when truly indicated
- Proven outcomes: many patients achieve substantial pain relief and return to daily life and activity after recovery
