How is an SI Joint Fusion Performed?
At Florida Surgery Consultants, our Neurosurgeons are experts when it comes to performing an SI Joint Fusion surgery. This surgery is considered a Minimally Invasive procedure that has an incision that is less than 3 centimeters. The new iFUSE system that our Board Certified Neurosurgeons in Tampa use have allowed these surgeries to now be minimally invasive. The complications of this surgery is low due to the easier recovery process.
- General Anesthesia is used
- A small incision will be made in the side of the buttocks to access the ilium
- A guide pin is inserted to mark where the implants will go
- The implants are then implanted and stabilized using screws or pins
- The incision is then closed and cleaned
This surgery is typically finished in an hour and has very little complications due to it being minimally invasive.
SI Joint Fusion Recovery
Our Neurosurgeons perform SI Joint Fusions in our Outpatient Surgery Center located in Tampa, Florida. After your surgery, you will go into the postoperative recovery area where you will be monitored. The nurses will then attend to you making sure your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration is good.
There will be some discharge instructions from your nurse.
- Post-Operative Narcotic medications may be prescribed, but only for a week or two
- A Back Brace may be recommended
Restrictions
- Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen (inflammatory drugs) should be avoided due to the ability for it to cause bleeding and interference with the healing process
- Avoid sitting down for long periods of time
- Do not lift heavy objects
- Try to avoid twist your hips aggressively
Recovery Process
The nurse will then schedule a post operative appointment with your surgeon usually 4-6 weeks after your surgery. This is to check on the progress of your healing. Physical Therapy is usually recommended in order for your SI Joint to heal faster. SI Joint Fusion recovery time is longer than a spinal fusion and can take up to 6 months to fully recover. But, our Neurosurgeons agree that the soreness and symptoms after your SI Joint Fusion last anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. This is due to the bone having to fuse together to complete the fusion. A positive attitude is also important in order to regulate your stress and relax. It’s worth noting that SI Joint Fusion surgeries are very effective in treating sacroiliac joint pain.
What is the success rate of an SI Joint Fusion surgery?
Typically, the success rate for an SI Joint Fusion surgery is around 82% for positive results.
What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?
Before surgery, we ask you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medication at least 10 days before surgery. There are also some vitamins that you may want to avoid such as Vitamin K, fish oil, and CoQ10. Please give us a call to find out what other vitamins/medications you may want to avoid.
How many iFuse Procedures have been performed?
Over 38,000 SI joint fusion procedures have been performed.
The iFuse System Florida Surgery Consultants utilizes
The iFuse Implant System is a minimally invasive surgical option designed specifically for the SI joint. The system utilizes a set of triangular titanium implants to stabilize and fuse the joint, aiming to eliminate the pain source.
Key Features of the iFuse System:
- Minimally Invasive: The iFuse procedure typically requires a small incision, resulting in minimal tissue disruption, reduced blood loss, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.
- Triangular Implants: The unique shape of the implants provides immediate stabilization, promoting fusion over time. The porous surface of the implants also encourages bone growth and a more durable fusion.
- Proven Track Record: Since its introduction, thousands of patients have undergone the iFuse procedure with a high rate of satisfaction and pain relief.
Success Rates of iFuse SI Joint Fusion:
Clinical studies and real-world experience have provided the following insights:
- Pain Reduction: A significant majority of patients who underwent the iFuse procedure reported substantial pain reduction. Clinical trials have shown that approximately 80-90% of patients experience meaningful pain relief post-surgery.
- Improved Function: Post-procedure, many patients experience increased function and an improved quality of life. Studies indicate that around 85-90% of patients report functional improvement after surgery.
- Safety Profile: The iFuse system has a strong safety record. Although complications are possible, as with any surgery, they are relatively rare with this procedure.
