PainTEQ Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

PainTEQ sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally-invasive procedure performed for patients with pain related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Patients who are eligible for this procedure typically have had positive diagnostic injections confirming sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and have failed other conservative management.

Risks include infection, bleeding and nerve injury. This procedure is performed in an operating room on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves lying face down on an X-ray table. You will receive sedating medication through an IV, and your back will be scrubbed with an antibacterial cleanser. Your physician will use an X-ray camera to identify the sacroiliac joint and a local anesthetic to numb the skin.

A small incision(s) will be made in your back and a small pin advanced into the sacroiliac joint. A series of devices will be placed over the pin and deployed to create a cavity for the implanted allograft bone graft. After sufficient preparation has been completed, the bone graft will be deployed along with a matrix of growth factors that will allow it to adhere (or fuse) the joint. The reduction of joint motion should reduce pain emanating from the sacroiliac joint.

The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and patients typically recover quickly. While stabilization begins to improve immediately, full ossification (growth of bone over the new graft) is completed over 12 months. You will have restrictions that will be outlined at your visit.

View a brief educational video about the procedure.

The link to this video is for educational purposes only. See disclaimer.

Video disclaimer

The link to the video on this page is for informational purposes only. The video content is not intended to be professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The links will take you to PainTEQ content. PainTEQ publishes educational health information to help patients better understand symptoms, conditions, and a variety of treatment options. Their content is authored by expert health professionals but does not reflect the opinions of UK HealthCare or our providers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health. Reliance on the content is solely at your own risk.