If sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction has been identified as the cause of your chronic lower back pain or the persistent, sciatica-like pain that radiates through your hip, buttock, and leg. Conservative treatment strategies (i.e., pain management, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory injections, and other nonsurgical options) are typically the first line of defense. If, however, these don’t lead to effective pain relief and improved mobility, SI joint fusion may be recommended.

SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive surgical option performed to provide immediate joint stabilization and allow long-term fusion.

Your SI joints connect the base of your spine (sacrum) to your pelvic bone (ilium). You have two SI joints — one on each side of your sacrum — that connect your spine to the right and left sides of your hips. It is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces from reaching the spine. When problems in that area occur, it can cause significant lower back pain and sometimes into the buttocks and legs. Degenerative joint issues, traumatic injury, or inflammatory joint disease are the most common reasons for SI joint fusion.