SI JOINT SURGERY NEAR YOU | PITTSBURGH, PA
SI-BONE Fusion
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a small but important joint that connects the spine to the pelvis. When it becomes unstable or inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and even the legs. Research shows that the SI joint is responsible for pain in up to 30% of chronic low back pain cases, and in nearly half of patients who continue to experience pain after a lumbar fusion. Because SI joint dysfunction often mimics other spinal conditions, it is frequently overlooked, leaving patients without lasting relief.
At Surgical Spine Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating SI joint disorders. We begin with conservative care, including physical therapy or joint injections. If these treatments fail to provide lasting improvement, we may recommend SI joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System®. This minimally invasive procedure stabilizes the joint using small titanium implants, helping patients reduce pain and return to normal activity.
If you’ve been struggling with ongoing lower back, hip, or pelvic pain and haven’t found relief, our team can help determine whether the SI joint is the source and if fusion is the right step forward. Request your appointment today to get started.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SI JOINT FUSION SURGERY
How SI-BONE Fusion Surgery Works
The iFuse Implant System® is the most widely studied minimally invasive SI joint fusion procedure, backed by more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. It is typically recommended for patients who have confirmed SI joint dysfunction and have not improved with conservative treatment. Diagnosis may include a physical exam, imaging studies, and a diagnostic injection into the SI joint. If pain improves by at least 50% after the injection, the joint is considered a major contributor to the symptoms.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a one-inch incision and inserts three triangular-shaped titanium implants across the SI joint. These implants stabilize the joint, reduce movement, and promote fusion. The procedure usually takes about an hour under anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day. Recovery typically involves short-term use of crutches or a cane, with gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses.
Patients who undergo SI joint fusion often report meaningful improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. By addressing the root cause of SI joint pain, iFuse helps restore stability and function, allowing patients to move forward with confidence. At Surgical Spine Associates, our surgeons combine advanced training with decades of experience, ensuring every patient receives precision care tailored to their unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is from the SI joint?
SI joint pain can feel very similar to disc-related or hip pain, often radiating into the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs. The most accurate way to confirm the SI joint as the source is through a diagnostic injection performed under imaging guidance. If your pain decreases significantly after the injection, the SI joint is likely contributing to your symptoms.
How effective is the iFuse Implant System?
The iFuse Implant System is the most researched SI joint fusion procedure available. With more than 100 published studies supporting its safety and effectiveness, it is considered the gold standard in minimally invasive SI joint fusion.
How much does SI joint fusion surgery cost?
The cost of SI joint fusion can vary depending on your insurance coverage and surgical plan. At Surgical Spine Associates, we accept most major insurance plans and will work with you to confirm benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
How do I schedule with one of the best SI joint doctors near me?
We make scheduling easy. Call us at (412) 275-0227 or use our online booking system to request your appointment. Our staff will help confirm insurance coverage, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way.