Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery Near You in New Jersey
You may not know what your sacroiliac joint is until something goes wrong. Injuries and conditions in the sacroiliac joint cause intense pain that can prevent you from living life normally. Fortunately, help exists for patients struggling with sacroiliac pain. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute performs sacroiliac joint fusion and other spine procedures at locations across New Jersey, providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments for back pain. Learn more about the sacroiliac joint fusion surgery we offer that can help relieve pain.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat concerns with the sacroiliac joints. These are two joints that connect the sacrum, a triangle-shaped bone at the base of the spine, to the iliac bones, which comprise the main part of the pelvis. These joints play a vital role in transferring weight between the spine and legs. When joint surfaces or structures are damaged, the resulting pain can interfere with walking, sitting, sleeping, and almost any everyday activity.
Surgical treatment for sacroiliac pain involves fusing the sacrum and iliac bones together into a single piece. This prevents movement in the joint, allowing it to carry weight without causing discomfort. Sacroiliac joint fusion effectively eliminates pain at the sacrifice of some lower back flexibility.
Why Might I Need Sacroiliac Joint Fusion?
Sacroiliac pain is typically felt in the buttocks and hips, though it often radiates to the groin, legs, and even feet. It is often accompanied by stiffness. Several ailments may cause these symptoms, ranging from traumatic injuries to degenerative conditions. Some common conditions that this procedure can treat include:
- Spinal fractures
- Repeated stress fractures
- Lumbar sprains
- Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis)
- Sacroiliitis (joint inflammation)
- Failed back syndrome
Treatment for sacroiliac joint conditions typically begins with conservative measures. Physical therapy, supportive braces, and corticosteroid injections are often effective in relieving pain and restoring normal function to the sacroiliac joint. When these measures fail, sacroiliac joint fusion surgery may be recommended. The experienced physicians at NU-Spine will talk you through treatment options and help you determine whether surgery is the best choice for you.
Who Performs Sacroiliac Joint Fusion at NU-Spine?
All surgical procedures at NU-Spine, including sacroiliac joint fusion, are performed by our resident Dr. Brank Skovrlj. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon, and one of the few in New Jersey to focus solely on spine treatments. He has expertise in all kinds of spine surgery with a specialization on complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. His work is world-renowned, and he has earned multiple awards for his research into improving treatments for back pain.
Though Dr. Skovrlj is recognized around the world, he also holds onto his small-town values. He takes the time to get to know each patient personally to establish a trusting relationship. Patients find him down-to-earth and approachable. This quality sets him apart from many other doctors, making him easy to talk to when discussing a painful condition.
How Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Performed?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is performed at NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art facilities located throughout New Jersey. It is most often performed using a minimally invasive approach to reduce damage to major muscles. General anesthesia is used to keep the patient asleep during the operation. The surgery takes about 45 minutes to complete and includes the following steps:
- Skovrlj makes a one- to two-inch incision on the side of the buttock.
- With highly precise instruments, he gains access to the sacroiliac joint without cutting through major muscles. Medical imaging technology is used to monitor his work.
- The surface of the sacroiliac joint is cleared of cartilage. Some of the bone surface may also be removed to encourage growth after surgery.
- Skovrlj inserts small titanium implants across the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, a bone graft may also be placed to promote a faster, more effective fusion.
- The incision is closed using sutures or staples.
Once the procedure is complete, the patient is taken to a recovery room. Here, they will be allowed to wake up from general anesthesia while NU-Spine staff monitor them in case of complications. Most sacroiliac joint fusions are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day as the procedure.
Recovery After Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
When patients are cleared to go home after surgery, NU-Spine will provide recovery instructions. The patient should follow them to prevent complications and ensure a good surgical outcome. Guidelines often include:
- Limiting strenuous activities for several weeks
- Walking with a cane or walker
- Managing pain with medications
- Protecting the surgical site while bathing
- Alerting the doctor if the incision shows signs of infection
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
Physical therapy typically begins a few weeks after surgery once the incision has healed and the bones have begun to fuse. This step is crucial to improve stability, strength, and flexibility. Patients follow a personalized exercise plan as instructed by a licensed physical therapist. They may also gradually return to regular activities under the guidance of Dr. Skovrlj. Complete recovery after sacroiliac joint fusion usually takes six to 12 months.
Outcomes of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
NU-Spine prioritizes minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. This approach avoids cutting into muscle, nerves, and other structures, reducing overall damage caused by the procedure. Advantages of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Faster recovery times
- Less post-operative pain
- Less risk of infection
Minimally invasive surgery also allows patients to enjoy positive results sooner. Sacroiliac joint fusion is proven to provide great benefits to patients, including:
- Significant pain relief
- Improved stability
- Reduced risk of injury
- Return to an active lifestyle
Get Back Surgery Near You in New Jersey to Relieve Back Pain
Don’t wait to experience relief from sacroiliac pain. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in sacroiliac joint fusion at locations across New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
What is SJ fusion?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgery used to treat issues with the sacroiliac joint, including injuries, arthritis, and infections.
Who needs sacroiliac joint fusion?
SI joint fusion may be recommended to patients whose pain does not respond to conservative treatments. Your NU-Spine physician will help you determine whether surgery is right for you.
What are the benefits of sacroiliac joint fusion?
By fusing joint bones together, SI joint fusion eliminates their movement. This stabilizes the joint, reduces pain, and helps prevent future injury while allowing the patient to return to their active lifestyle.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery reduces damage to muscles and nerves, allowing for less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery.