SI joint fusion is a standard operation that is used to address SI joint pains. A minimally invasive spinal fusion joins the ilium and sacrum bone to prevent unusual movement between these bones. The procedure aims to reduce the sacroiliac joint movement by joining together the sacrum and ilium. This fusion involves using implanted rods and screws and a potential bone graft across the joint. In recent years, minimally invasive procedures have been developed that improve disability and pain outcomes and reduce recovery time.
Deciding on Sacroiliac fusion
Doctors only recommend this treatment method when the nonsurgical treatments are ineffective after being used for eight to twelve weeks. In most cases, doctors recommend surgery when the nonsurgical therapies have been tried for several months. However, the surgery has some associated risks, and one of them is that there are chances that the surgery might not relieve pain or the joint fusion might be unsuccessful.
Additionally, there is a possibility that the fused sacroiliac joint will relocate pressure typically engrossed by the pelvis to the lower back, creating tension and pain in the abdomen, a disease commonly known as the adjacent segment disease. According to research, five percent of the people who undergo the sacroiliac joint fusion report this complication six months after surgery.
Procedure for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Two surgical systems are used in sacroiliac fusion, including the implants grafting the joint and other tools needed to operate. All minimally invasive sacroiliac fusion procedures involve the following process.
Induction and Anesthesia; Here, the anesthesiologist talks to the patient about the particular plan of procedure. The patient will know the kind of medications and anesthesia to make the process pain-free and comfortable.
The doctor will place a breathing device and ensure you are asleep, and position you on your side on the operating table.
Under general anesthesia, the doctor will make an incision over the lower back and move the muscles to the side with the x-ray fluoroscopy. The doctor will then use a device to drill a small hole through the ilium and get to the joint.
He will then clear the sacroiliac joint of muscles and ligaments and place surgical and bine graft implants across the joint to encourage bone growth. The doctor will use a broach to enlarge the hole on the ilium and pass it to the second bone, the sacrum.
A metal implant will then be inserted over the pin and aligned in position crossing the two grafted bones.
Finally, the surgeon will put the muscles back and close the surgical site using standard stitches.
After the surgery, you might be needed to stay in the hospital for at least one to two nights. Recovery from joint fusion comprises physical therapy at home treatments like heat and ice and pain medications. Moreover, a pelvic brace may be prescribed to limit painful movements and stabilize the pelvis during the healing process. The recovery process for the sacroiliac joint fusion may last for about three to six months.
How long will the SI Joint Fusion surgery take?
The whole process of SI Joint Fusion surgery varies from one individual patient to another. This as well, the length of the surgery will differ. The variation is based on the complexity of the spinal condition and as well the specialist. However, the general duration for the surgery to be completed should be at most 2 hours; a period considered safest.
What should I expect after the surgery?
You are transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unity(PACU), a special recovery room when you successfully undergo the SI Joint Fusion surgery. After some while(wake-up from the anesthesia), you will be transferred back to the hospital room where your friends, family, members, etc., can visit you.
It may be the same day or moments after you will be visited by an occupational or physical therapist or both who will start your therapy. Therapists will also provide special medication attention to manage the surgery paying and other preventive medicines to minimize infection risks. Most medications provided here are IV antibiotics.
Again, the care and medication while you are in the hospital will depend on your general health condition, and sometimes you may be released from the hospital on the same day of the surgery. It may also take time for you to be discharged after the surgery; this is based on more complications of your situation.
Most time, a patient who has gone through SI Joint Fusion surgery will be discharged if; they are tolerating a diet, passing through physical therapy, and their pain is well managed.
How long does it take to recover from SI Joint Fusion?
Generally, recovering from SI Joint Fusion may take twelve weeks. This doesn’t account for fully recovering as a patient can heal up to 1-year from the surgery day. The recovery process involves bones fusing, and it takes around three months for bones to fuse completely. Again, the recovery of the SI Joint Fusion patients varies; some will take a short time and others a long time to recover from the surgery. The variation of healing is based on the differences in individuals’ health conditions and the nature of the body organs such as bones.
Are there health complications I should expect after the SI Joint Fusion?
Yes, like any other form of surgery, SI Joint Fusion has its risks. After the surgery, except for the following complications;
Nerve or spinal cord damages that lead to pain or weakness on your leg
Low relief of symptoms
Bleeding
Risks of infections( although chances are less than 1%)diabetes, chronic steroids, immunosuppressive, and overweight
Conclusion
Going through SI Joint Fusion is not easy, although it becomes the only option when other medications have failed. It is also surrounded by several risks, although they are manageable such as infections like diabetes and spinal cord damage. Importantly, always follow your doctor’s directions regarding your surgery and take self-care treatments such as avoiding heavy work. If there is the medicine you are provided with, you need to take them at the required time. Doctors encourage physical walk even after waking up from the anesthesia. Daily walk(as directed by your doctor) will help body muscles return to their original form, especially around the surgery part. As well, walking may help reduce risks such a fat gain due to prolonged rest.
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