The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, is one of the most common reasons patient presents to physicians with lower back pain or lumbar go. It is estimated that up to 25% of visits to the physician for back pain are actually a result of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint is the joint between the pelvis and the lowest part of the spine known as the sacrum. This joint is not designed for much motion and it is common for this joint to therefore becomes stiff (hypomobile) or sometimes loose (hypermobile). Both of these conditions can cause significant pain. The pain usually occurs off the midline at the level of the dimple along the waistline over an area known as the posterior superior iliac spine.
Sacroiliac pain is really a diagnosis made clinically has multiple tests including x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs are usually normal. Once you have been diagnosed with SI joint pain, your physician might recommend physical therapy, a sacroiliac belt, an injection of the joint under x-ray, or as a last resort surgery. If your doctor has recommended surgery for the sacroiliac joint, a second opinion is a wise idea. This is a relatively new surgery that can be performed minimally invasively. Although it might be promising in select patients, many patients are having this procedure done unnecessarily and with an incorrect or incomplete workup. Consider a second opinion prior to an I-Fuse or SI-Loc procedure.