SI Fusions

Pain Medicine Inc

Pain Medicine & Pain Management located in Downtown Lakeland, Lakeland, FL

Persistent pain in your lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs may not always originate from your spine. In many cases, the sacroiliac (SI) joint is the source of chronic discomfort. At Pain Medicine Inc in Lakeland, Florida, triple board-certified pain management specialist Saqib Khan, MD, offers advanced treatment options for SI joint dysfunction, including minimally invasive SI joint fusion. If conservative treatments have failed to provide lasting relief, SI joint fusion may help stabilize the joint and improve your quality of life. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

863-682-7246

SI Fusions Q&A

What is the sacroiliac (SI) joint?

The sacroiliac joints connect your sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of your spine, to your pelvis. These joints play an important role in transferring weight and forces between your upper body and lower body while helping provide stability during movement.

When one or both SI joints become inflamed, damaged, or unstable, they can cause chronic pain that interferes with everyday activities.

What causes SI joint pain?

SI joint dysfunction can develop for several reasons, including:

Arthritis and age-related joint degeneration
Previous lower back surgery
Traumatic injuries or falls
Pregnancy and childbirth
Repetitive stress on the pelvis
Joint instability or hypermobility

SI joint pain is often felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, groin, or upper legs. Many patients mistakenly believe they have a spinal condition because the symptoms can closely resemble sciatica or lumbar disc problems.

When should I consider SI joint fusion?

Dr. Khan typically recommends conservative treatments before considering surgery. These may include:

Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modifications
SI joint injections
Radiofrequency ablation

If these treatments provide only temporary relief or fail to improve your symptoms, SI joint fusion may be an effective long-term solution.

Candidates for SI joint fusion generally experience chronic SI joint pain that has persisted for several months and has been confirmed through a comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing.

What is SI joint fusion?

SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the sacroiliac joint and reduce painful movement. During the procedure, Dr. Khan places specialized implants across the SI joint through a small incision. These implants help encourage the bones to fuse together over time, creating long-term stability.

Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive SI joint fusion typically offers:

Smaller incisions
Less tissue disruption
Reduced postoperative pain
Faster recovery times
Improved joint stability

Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after recovery.

What can I expect after SI joint fusion?

Recovery varies depending on your overall health and the severity of your condition. Most patients gradually return to normal activities over several weeks while following a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Dr. Khan closely monitors your progress throughout recovery and provides ongoing support to help maximize your results.

To find out whether SI joint fusion is right for you, call Pain Medicine Inc today or schedule a consultation online.

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