SI joint fusion stabilizes the sacroiliac joint, where the base of the spine meets the pelvis, to relieve pain in the buttock and low back that comes from that joint.
What the Surgery Does
Through a small incision, the surgeon places implants across the sacroiliac joint under X-ray guidance. The implants hold the joint steady right away, and bone grows across the joint over the following months.
Your Recovery, Stage by Stage
Day 0: Surgery day
How you may feelSoreness at the incision and in the buttock.
What you can doWalk with crutches or a walker, with only partial weight on the operated side if told to.
Hold off onFull weight on the operated leg until cleared.
Milestone: Most people go home the same day or the next morning.
Weeks 1-3: Protected walking
How you may feelButtock soreness improving. Tired easily.
What you can doWalk with crutches or a walker as instructed.
Hold off onLifting, bending, sitting on the operated side for long periods, driving while on narcotics.
Milestone: Incision check at about 2 weeks.
Weeks 3-6: Weaning off support
How you may feelSteady improvement.
What you can doGradually put more weight on the leg and wean off crutches as cleared. Desk work for many.
Hold off onHeavy lifting, twisting, high-impact activity.
Milestone: Walking without support for most people.
Weeks 6-12: Building strength
How you may feelMost day-to-day activity feels better.
What you can doPhysical therapy for hip and core strength.
Hold off onRunning, jumping and heavy lifting until cleared.
Milestone: Follow-up visit and X-ray.
Months 3-12: Solid fusion
How you may feelContinued improvement for up to a year.
What you can doMost work and activities as cleared.
Hold off onHigh-impact sports until cleared.
Milestone: Bone grows across the joint over 6 to 12 months.
When to Call
CALL 911Trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden weakness in your arms or legs.
CALL THE OFFICE THE SAME DAYFever over 101 F; redness, swelling or drainage from the incision; new or worsening numbness or weakness; calf pain or swelling; loss of bladder or bowel control. New leg pain or numbness down the leg on the operated side.
CALL DURING OFFICE HOURSQuestions about medicines, paperwork, physical therapy, or returning to work.
Good to Know
- Nicotine in any form slows bone healing. Stay off it for at least 3 months.
- Some people need both SI joints treated. If so, the second side is usually done separately.
- Recovery is often gradual. Keep track of your pain over the months, not the days.
Questions?
Offices in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
New patients: 609-800-3472
Existing patients: 609-800-3472
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient heals at a different pace. Your own instructions from Dr. Radcliff always come first.
See also: Getting Ready for Spine Surgery and Recovering After Spine Surgery.
