SI Joint Fusion in Plano, TX
Specialties
SI Joint Fusion Specialist in Plano, TX
Living with sacroiliac joint pain can severely impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to perform even the simplest daily activities. Board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Stephen Courtney, the SI joint fusion specialist in Plano, TX, leads the Advanced Spine Center in providing personalized and effective treatments designed to address your unique needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve relief and restore mobility so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a pain-free life, contact the Advanced Spine Center today. Our compassionate team will provide a thorough evaluation and customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. Call us at (972) 499-5457 to schedule your appointment and experience the difference of expert care tailored to your needs. Don’t let SI joint pain dictate your life—we are here to help.
What Is the SI Joint?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the base of your spine to your pelvis, specifically linking the sacrum and iliac bones. This low-motion joint serves as a crucial shock absorber for the body, transferring weight from the upper body to the lower body. While its limited mobility helps maintain stability, issues like SI joint degeneration or inflammatory conditions can result in severe discomfort and chronic pain.
SI joint problems often stem from wear and tear, injury, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis. These issues can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction, characterized by pain radiating through the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to increased SI joint mediated pain and a greater dependency on pain medications.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical technique designed to stabilize the SI joint by permanently joining the sacrum and iliac bones. This procedure involves using titanium implants and bone grafts to encourage natural bone growth and eliminate abnormal joint motion.
Unlike open surgery, which carries a higher risk of complications, our minimally invasive approach allows many patients to experience faster recovery times and same-day discharge.
This advanced treatment is particularly effective for patients experiencing chronic lower back pain caused by SI joint dysfunction or degeneration. By addressing the joint as the pain generator, sacroiliac joint fusion can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
What Is the Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Treatment for sacroiliac joint pain generally begins with conservative approaches. Pain specialists may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and pain medications or steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the soft tissues. A comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical exam can help identify the source of your discomfort.
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, are also essential in pinpointing SI joint problems. These tests confirm whether the joint is the primary pain generator and help tailor a treatment plan to your needs. When non-surgical methods fail to provide lasting relief, joint fusion surgery becomes a viable option.
SI Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint steroid injections are often the first line of treatment for sacroiliac pain. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint, reducing pain and swelling in the surrounding soft tissues. While injections may provide temporary relief, they are also used diagnostically to confirm whether the SI joint is the source of pain.
For many patients, SI joint injections can significantly reduce inflammation and improve mobility, but they are not a long-term solution for chronic conditions like SI joint degeneration. If pain persists despite these interventions, more advanced treatments may be necessary.
What Happens if SI Joint Injections Don’t Work?
When SI joint injections fail to deliver lasting relief, minimally invasive spine surgery may be recommended. Our team uses a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and physical examinations to assess your eligibility for sacroiliac joint fusion. Candidates for this procedure often include individuals with chronic lower back pain, limited mobility, and no significant improvement from other treatment options.
SI joint fusion involves using a local anesthetic or general anesthesia, depending on the specific case, to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. By addressing the root cause of SI joint-mediated pain, this surgery offers a more permanent solution compared to injections or physical therapy alone.
SI Joint Surgery
SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure performed by our team of spine surgeons with specialized training in orthopedic surgery. The procedure begins with a small incision near the lower back, allowing the surgeon to access the affected joint. Using the iFuse Implant System, titanium implants are placed to stabilize the joint and encourage bone growth between the sacrum and iliac bones.
Unlike traditional open surgery, this approach minimizes risks and allows for quicker recovery times. Many patients can return home on the same day of the procedure. The use of advanced surgical techniques ensures that fusion surgery is both effective and safe, with long-lasting results.
Long-Term Effects of SI Joint Fusion
The long-term effects of sacroiliac joint fusion are overwhelmingly positive for most patients. By stabilizing the joint and eliminating abnormal motion, the surgery significantly reduces pain and enhances mobility. Patients often experience a marked improvement in their ability to perform daily activities and engage in physical therapy for additional recovery support.
However, it is important to understand the limitations. While fusion surgery provides stability and reduces inflammation, it may result in permanent restrictions on activities involving repetitive movements or applying pressure to the joint in various directions. Our team provides detailed guidance on post-surgery care to help you adapt to these changes.
SI Joint Fusion Permanent Restrictions
Following SI joint fusion, patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities that may stress the fused joint. While most individuals can resume normal activities within weeks, certain restrictions remain to protect the stability of the joint and ensure successful recovery. These restrictions include:
- Avoid heavy lifting, particularly during the initial recovery phase.
- Refrain from twisting or bending motions in the lower back.
- Limit high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping.
- Use proper techniques for sitting, standing, and transitioning to minimize strain on the joint.
Our team provides detailed guidance on how to adapt to these changes to support a safe and successful recovery.
SI Joint Fusion Recovery
Recovery from sacroiliac joint fusion involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and gradual reintroduction to daily activities. Most patients notice significant improvements within a few weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Adhering to post-operative guidelines is crucial to achieving the best outcomes.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery, helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and improve flexibility. Our team provides personalized rehabilitation plans to support your journey toward pain relief and restored mobility.
Achieve SI Joint Pain Relief at the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX
If sacroiliac joint dysfunction or chronic lower back pain has affected your quality of life, the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, is here to help. Our board-certified spine surgeons offer cutting-edge treatments, including minimally invasive procedures like SI joint fusion, to provide relief tailored to your needs. Spine surgery can be a transformative option for those suffering from unmanageable pain, helping to restore both mobility and comfort.
Achieve SI joint pain relief at the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, by scheduling a comprehensive consultation with our team. Contact us today at (972) 499-5457 to take the first step toward regaining control of your life. Let us partner with you in your journey to a pain-free future, offering personalized care and advanced medical solutions.
