The sacroiliac joint connects the pelvic bone and sacrum, the bottom of the spine, working as a shock absorber for the spine. Like any joint, the sacroiliac or SI joint can suffer from degeneration or arthritis, resulting in inflammation and pain. Patients with SI joint disorders can experience lower back pain and radiating pain, weakness and numbness through the buttocks, groin and legs. At Trinity Surgery Center, we offer SI joint fusion surgery to relieve SI joint pain at our state-of-the-art facility in San Jose, CA.

How It Works

SI joint pain can occur from small movements in the joint that cause increased inflammation and discomfort. SI joint surgery is recommended when conservative or interventional pain treatments are no longer effective. The surgery is performed using a minimally-invasive approach. A small incision is made near the SI joint to access the pelvic bone and sacrum connection. A surgical fusion of the two bones is completed to minimize friction from movement to reduce inflammation and pain. This can involve using implants or bone grafts, depending on the patient and specific SI joint problem.

What to Expect

The good news is that SI joint fusion surgery is an outpatient procedure that is minimally-invasive for the patient. The incision is only 2-3 cm long, and it can be easily covered with a standard bandage. Patients will be put under anesthesia for the procedure, usually spinal or general anesthesia is used. The sacrum and pelvis are fused using an implant that can encourage bone growth to stabilize the joint. Some patients may require a bone graft to help stimulate healthy bone growth. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and the patient typically goes home the same day.

If you have SI joint pain that is not responding to interventional pain treatments, you might be a candidate for SI joint fusion surgery. Trinity Surgery Center in San Jose, CA, is your source for exceptional patient care and advanced medical technology to complete your procedure. Contact us today.