Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Understanding SI joint pain and treatment options
What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction means the SI joint (where your spine meets your pelvis) is painful or unstable. The SI joint supports your entire upper body and transmits forces between spine and legs.
Symptoms
- •Low back pain (usually lower than lumbar pain)
- •Pain at base of spine, buttocks
- •Leg pain (if nerve involved)
- •Difficulty walking, especially on stairs
- •Pain when sitting for long periods
- •Pain with certain movements (twisting, climbing stairs)
- •Clicking or catching sensation
- •"Giving way" feeling
Causes
Common Causes
- • Arthritis
- • Inflammation
- • Instability/hypermobility
- • Ligament laxity
Risk Factors
- • Prior injury
- • Pregnancy-related ligament laxity
- • Asymmetry
- • Muscle imbalance
Diagnosis
- •Physical exam (provocative maneuvers)
- •SI joint injection (diagnostic)
- •Imaging (MRI/CT) may show arthritis
- •Functional assessment
Conservative Treatment
Success Rate: 60-70%
- • SI joint belt (stabilization)
- • Physical therapy (hip/core strengthening)
- • NSAIDs
- • SI joint steroid injection
- • Activity modification
When Surgery is Appropriate
- •Persistent pain despite conservative care (3+ months minimum)
- •Significant instability
- •Functional limitation
- •Failed injections
MIS Surgical Options
SI Joint Fusion
Minimally invasive SI fusion with implants
Stabilizes painful/unstable joint
Success Rate: 75-85%
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
SI Joint Injection/RFA
Steroid or radiofrequency
Minimally invasive
Success Rate: 50-70%
Recovery: 1-2 weeks
Questions About SI Joint Dysfunction?
Our team specializes in minimally invasive SI joint treatments. Contact us to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
Greenberg Spine
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery