Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain / SI Joint Dysfunction

What is Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain?

The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, is a large L-shaped synovial joint in the pelvis that connects the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. The SI joints’ function as additional shock absorption for the spine. As we age, the joint’s stability can change and this can cause inflammation and lower back pain. SI joint pain encompasses conditions that include the sacroilitis, SI joint inflammation, SI joint syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and SI joint strain.

SI joint dysfunction may cause pain in the buttocks, lower back or spine, pelvis and groin, and even the legs. Thankfully, there are treatments that can lead to lasting relief of these symptoms.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Symptoms

• Lower back pain
• Pain climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
• Stiffness or burning sensations in the pelvic
• Referred pain to the hip, groin, buttocks, and back of the thigh
• Hypermobility of the joint - moving too much
• Hypomobility of the joint - joint can feel "locked up"
• Difficulty doing daily activities such as: sitting, standing, walking and even sleeping

Non-Surgical or Conservative Treatment Options for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

• Ice, heat and rest
• Pain medication (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, oral steroids, narcotic drugs, and muscle relaxants)
• Supports or braces
• Physical therapy & exercise
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections

Surgical Treatment for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

For severe cases of pain that SI joint pain that is not remedied through conservative, non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion surgery may be an option. SI joint fusion involves one or both of the sacroiliac joints being fused together with the goal of eliminating abnormal motion (e.g. hypermobility of the SI joint).

SI joint fusion surgery can relieve the symptoms of SI joint pain and dysfunction by:

• Immediate fixation: By placing an implant across the joint, the SI joint will be immobilized and fusion can begin
• True SI joint fusion: This requires Our spine surgeon will prepare the SI joint surfaces with special instruments that trigger the body to grow bone, and insert a bone graft into the joint that works as a scaffold for bone to grow through. This procedure will ensure the SI joint pain relief will last.
  • iFuse Implant System: Is intended for sacroiliac fusion for conditions including sacroiliac joint dysfunction that is a direct result of sacroiliac joint disruption and degenerative sacroiliitis. The procedure involves the insertion of three small, triangular, titanium implants across the SI joint, and is designed to stabilize and fuse the SI joint. The procedure is done through a small incision and takes approximately one hour.

Schedule an appointment with a spine doctor at Newport Orthopedic Institute today to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and receive evidence-based treatment options for your SI joint pain.