If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, it may be a sign of SI joint dysfunction.
A variety of tests performed during physical examination, including: FABER test, sacral thrust test, distraction test, and palpation test all may help determine whether the SI joint is a source of your symptoms. Additionally, X-ray, CT and/or MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of SI joint-related problems.
The most reliable method to accurately determine whether the SI joint is the cause of your pain is to inject the SI joint with a local anesthetic. The injection will be delivered under fluoroscopic or CT guidance to verify accurate placement of the needle in the SI joint. If your symptoms are decreased by at least 75%, the SI joint may either be the source, or major contributor, to your lower back pain.
There are several factors that can predispose someone to SI joint pain, most of which include forces that place a significant amount of stress to the joint. These include disruption of the lining of the joint, ligament injury, arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, trauma, infection, cystic disease, pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformities, previous spinal surgery, etc.
The PsiF (posterior SI fusion) procedure allows your doctor to stabilize your SI joint from a simple and safe posterior approach. This unique procedure is minimally invasive and involves implanting one small bone allograft into the SI joint to stabilize and fuse the dysfunctional joint. The entire procedure is done through a single, small incision on the patients back and typically takes less than a half hour. Patient testimonials have demonstrated that treatment with the PsiF system (available since early 2014) improved pain, patient function, and quality of life. Patients leave the surgery center the same day, shortly after surgery and can usually resume daily living activities within a couple of weeks, depending on how well they are healing and based on physician’s orders.
Treatments for SI joint dysfunction typically focus on alleviating pain and restoring normal motion in the joint. Many cases are effectively managed using non-surgical treatments, including:
SI joint stabilization should be considered if all non-surgical treatment options have been tried and do not provide relief. If surgery is needed, SI joint stabilization procedure can be performed to relieve your pain. Call us today to make an appointment.
The SI joints are located between the iliac bones and the sacrum, connecting the spine to the hips. The two joints provide support and stability, and play a major role in absorbing impact when walking and lifting. Strong ligaments and muscles support the SI joints. There is a very small amount of motion in the joint for normal body flexibility.
As we age, our bones become arthritic, ligaments stiffen, cartilage wears down, and bones may rub together causing pain. In addition to age, SI joint pain can occur as the result of a fall, work injury, car accident, pregnancy and childbirth, or as a result of hip or spine surgery. Further, scientific data shows pain from the SI joint can feel like disc or lower back pain. For this reason, SI joint disorders should always be considered in lower back pain diagnosis.
