Does SI Joint Fusion Surgery Relieve Nerve-Related Symptoms?

Many people with SI joint dysfunction describe pain that travels into the buttock, hip, groin, or even down the leg. These symptoms can feel like a nerve problem, which makes it difficult to know where the pain is really coming from.

SI joint fusion surgery is designed to treat problems in the SI joint, not every type of nerve pain. It may help relieve nerve-like symptoms when the SI joint is the actual source of the problem.

An accurate diagnosis should always come before considering surgery for sacroiliac joint pain. At Advanced Pain Care in Austin, TX, every evaluation starts with finding the true source of your pain so you receive the treatment that is right for you.

What Is SI Joint Fusion Surgery?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints form the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the pelvis. One SI joint is located on each side of the pelvis. Most people do not think about these joints until they become painful. These small joints help your spine and pelvis move together comfortably.

An injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or even years of wear and tear can make the joints painful or unstable. Many people feel the pain in the lower back or buttocks first, but it can also travel into the hip, groin, or leg.

Physical therapy, medications, injections, and radiofrequency ablation are usually the first treatments and provide good relief. For some patients, these treatments may not be helpful. Once your doctor confirms that the SI joint is the source of the problem, sacroiliac joint fusion surgery may be recommended.

The surgery stabilizes the SI joint, so it has a chance to heal. As the joint heals, many people notice they’re able to get through the day with less pain.

Can SI Joint Fusion Surgery Help Relieve Nerve-Related Symptoms?

Several nerves run near the SI joint. When the joint becomes inflamed or unstable, the surrounding ligaments and soft tissues can also become irritated. Pain does not always remain confined to the joint. It can spread into the buttocks, hip, groin, or down the leg, making it feel a lot like sciatica.

Doctors call this referred pain. In simple terms, the pain is felt somewhere other than where it actually begins.

When the SI joint is truly the source of the pain, SI joint fusion surgery may help relieve:

• Buttock pain
• Leg pain that starts at the SI joint
• Tingling caused by inflammation around the joint
• Referred nerve discomfort
• Pain while standing, walking, or getting up from a chair

One important point is that SI joint fusion surgery treats instability in the SI joint, not every type of nerve pain.

A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, and other nerve conditions can produce similar symptoms, but they require different treatments. That is why the first step is making sure the SI joint is really causing the pain. Your doctor may use a physical exam, imaging, and sometimes a diagnostic SI joint injection to confirm the source of the pain. Confirming the true source of the pain gives you the best chance of getting the right treatment.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion

Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed how SI joint fusion surgery is performed.

Compared with traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion procedure typically uses a much smaller incision and specialized instruments.

• A smaller incision disturbs less muscle and healthy tissue.
• Less bleeding during surgery.
• Many people can get back to their favorite activities sooner.
• Less postoperative pain
• The joint becomes more stable as it heals.
• Walking and standing can start to feel more comfortable.

Healing still takes time. The implants hold the joint steady while the bones gradually fuse together over the next several months.

Symptoms of Failed SI Joint Fusion

Most people heal well after SI joint fusion surgery in Austin, TX, but it helps to know what is normal and what is not. Connect with your pain management doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms of failed SI joint fusion​:

• Pain that is not getting better after surgery.
• Persistent numbness, tingling, or leg pain that does not go away after surgery.
• New pain in the hip or lower back.
• Signs that the implant has moved, although this is uncommon.
• Healing is taking longer than expected, which may delay fusion.

When should you call your specialist?

Contact your pain management specialist if your pain gets worse, you develop a fever, notice new weakness, have increasing swelling, see drainage from the incision, or experience any sudden change in your symptoms.

Choose an Experienced SI Joint Fusion Specialist at Advanced Pain Care, Austin, TX

SI joint pain can look a lot like other spine or hip conditions, so getting the diagnosis right is the first step. Patients searching for SI joint doctors near me or an SI joint fusion specialist near me trust Advanced Pain Care to get answers and treatment backed by experience.

At our pain management clinic in Austin, TX, you can expect:

• A careful evaluation of your symptoms
• Imaging and diagnostic testing when needed
• A treatment plan built around your needs
• Experience with minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion
• Support throughout your recovery

SI joint fusion surgery is not the right choice for everyone. If surgery is the right option for you, we’ll make sure you know what to expect.