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SI Joint Fusion Specialist

Advanced Pain Management Center Our Services SI Joint Fusion
Advanced Pain Management Center - - Interventional Pain Management Physician

Advanced Pain Management Center

Interventional Pain Management Physician & Regenerative Orthopedics Specialists located in Portland, OR

Up to 30% of cases of low back pain are caused by problems with the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The team at Advanced Pain Management Center in Portland, Oregon, led by interventional pain management physician Vladimir Fiks, MD, performs SI joint fusion, minimally invasive treatment for SI joint pain. Find out if it can help you by calling the practice or making an appointment over the phone, also serving the surrounding areas of Aloha, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard & Lake Oswego.

SI Joint Fusion Q&A

What is SI joint fusion?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are in your pelvis. They link the ileum bones of each hip to the sacrum, the triangular bone at the bottom part of the spine, just above the tailbone. The SI joints work like shock absorbers, preventing impact forces from reaching the spine, and they have limited movement. These they become unstable.

An unstable SI joint can cause symptoms like:

  • Problems sitting and walking
  • Leg pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Hip and groin pain
  • Pelvis and buttock pain

SI joint fusion is a procedure that stabilizes the problematic joint. Dr. Fiks recommends it if you’ve repeatedly tried oral medications, injection therapy, or physical therapy with little success.

How does SI joint fusion work?

Dr. Fiks uses a minimally invasive SI Joint Fusion System to stabilize the SI joint. He prefers this treatment method because it offers the most comprehensive stabilization and fusion with the least amount of surgical intervention.

The fusion system uses two grafts placed at right angles inside the SI joint. They create immediate joint stability.

What can you expect during SI joint fusion?

Dr. Fiks creates two small incisions in the lower back to place the grafts. The key is that we are using a posterior approach to the joint which is safer and offers much easier recovery.t. It results in reduced blood loss, a lower risk of surgical trauma, a shorter time in surgery, and faster recovery times.

What is the recovery process after SI joint fusion treatment?

Dr. Fiks favors the sacroilian joint fusion system utilizing posterior approach because of how safe it is. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means there’s little risk of postoperative complications. Most patients can walk within hours of the procedure and return to work and nonstrenuous activities after around two weeks.

When is SI joint fusion beneficial?

If you have instability and pain in your SI joint, you’re a good candidate for SI joint fusion. There are several reasons you may have these symptoms, including:

  • Loose ligaments through pregnancy
  • Prior injury
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Lower back instability
  • Previous lower back surgery

Dr. Fiks assesses the source of your pain, and if SI joint fusion can help you, he discusses the procedure with you. The team at Advanced Pain Management Center has years of experience in treating SI joint issues. Find out how they can help you by making an appointment through the online booking tool or by calling the office.

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