SPINE AND ORTHOPAEDIC CONDITIONS
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction FAQs
Get information that can inform your decision about SI fusion surgery. Download the discussion guide to help you prepare for an appointment with a doctor.
About sacroiliac joint dysfunction
What causes sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint disease typically results from one of two conditions:
- Inflammation of the SI joint, called “degenerative sacroiliitis”
- Too much or too little motion in the SI joint, known as “sacroiliac joint disruption”
What are the conditions associated with sacroiliac joint pain?
Several medical conditions affecting the sacroiliac (SI) joint can lead to pain:
- Adjacent segment disease – The level above or below a segment that was successfully fused in a prior spinal fusion surgery can break down and cause pain
- Ankylosing spondylitis – A rheumatologic disorder of the spine causing inflammation that can eventually lead the joints to become fused, leading to stiffness and reduced range of motion (known as ankylosis). It also frequently affects the hips and other peripheral joints
- Degenerative osteoarthritis – Arthritis in the SI joint caused by “wear and tear”
- Degenerative sacroiliitis – Inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints caused by changes to the joints over time
- Sacroiliac joint infection – A bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation and possibly tissue damage
- Sacroiliac joint inflammation
- Leg length discrepancy – Differences between the length of each leg
- Ligamentous laxity – Loosening of the ligaments which may lead to excess motion
- Sacroiliac joint disruption – Abnormal motion in the sacroiliac joint, either too much motion or too little motion
- Structural pelvic asymmetry – Asymmetric (uneven) positioning of bony landmarks on the two sides of the pelvis
- Trauma – An event such as a motor vehicle accident or fall which causes damage to the SI joint
- Tumour
The best treatment for sacroiliac pain depends on a person's unique situation. Always discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional.
Need help finding a doctor who specialises in SI joint pain? Scroll down to use our handy search tool.
Treatments of sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Why may I need surgery?
You may be a candidate for surgery if you have tried, with no lasting relief, other conservative care options such as physical therapy, chiropractic, medications, and/or injections for at least 6 months. After consulting with your surgeon, it may be determined that surgery might be an option to limit the amount of movement of the SI Joint in an effort to treat your diagnosis.
Good candidates for surgery
SI joint fusion surgery may be an option if:
- Have been diagnosed with degenerative sacroiliitis or SI joint disruption
- Have had a positive response to SI joint injection(s), and
- Have tried, with no lasting relief, other conservative care options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, or injections for at least six months
What are the risks of SI joint surgery?
Potential risks in any surgical procedure include unforeseeable complications caused by anaesthesia, blood clots, undiagnosed medical problems, such as silent heart disease, and rare allergic reactions.
In addition, some risks of SI joint surgery include incomplete pain relief, damage to the nerve roots, infection, and complications with the hardware.
Most of these complications can be treated once they are detected, but sometimes they require a longer period of hospitalisation or recovery, additional medications, and sometimes even additional surgery.
These risks will be explained by the primary surgeon. In general, these complications happen very infrequently, but it is important to remember that surgery is a difficult process, and, therefore, unforeseeable complications do occur.
