Indications: Signs of SI Joint Dysfunction

• Lower back pain
• Sciatic-like pain in buttocks or down back of leg
• Hip/pelvis/groin pain
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Pain climbing stairs, running, or jogging
• Pain lying on one side
• Leg instability, numbness, or weakness
• Disturbed sitting patterns
• Pain moving from sitting to standing
• Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain

Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction

Disruption of the lining of the joint, ligament injury, arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, trauma, infection, cystic disease, pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformities, previous spinal surgery.

Diagnosing SI Joint Dysfunction

• Physical examination: FABER test, sacral thrust test, distraction test, and palpation test
• Diagnostic Imaging: X-ray, CT and/or MRI

Am I a candidate for PsiF?

Patients who have failed non-surgical treatments may candidates for SI Fusion:

• Brief rest periods of 1-2 days
• Applying ice or heat
• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Supports or braces
• SI Joint injections
• Radiofrequency ablation

About the Procedure

• Minimally invasive – a single, small (less than 1ⁱⁿ incision) on patients lower back
• There are no metal screws or plates – no cutting of bone
• Takes less than a half hour
• Posterior SI fusion stabilizes SI joint from a simple and safe posterior approach
• One small bone graft is placed into the SI joint to stabilize and fuse the dysfunctional joint – eliminating motion in the joint which can reduce pain
• Patients report improved pain, patient function, and quality of life
• Patients leave the surgery center the same day, shortly after surgery

Discharge Instructions

• No lifting over 10 pounds for 6 weeks
• Walk as tolerated; no running or jumping for 12 weeks
• Take it easy today and rest for 24 hours