When Sacroiliac Fusion Might Be an Option
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion surgery to limit movement in the joint may be a good treatment for some people. Find out by consulting with a doctor. The doctor will consider your overall health, symptoms, and the success of your treatment to date in deciding whether to advise surgery with the Rialto™ SI fusion system made by Medtronic.
When is SI Joint Fusion Surgery Right For Me? - (01:33)
Dr. Carter Beck explains that SI joint fusion surgery is reserved for patients whose pain is interfering with everyday life and for whom other treatment options have not helped to bring lasting pain relief. Dr. Beck is a neurological surgeon at Montana Neurosurgical Specialists in Missoula, Montana.
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Good Candidates for Surgery with the Rialto SI Fusion System
Treatment with the Rialto SI fusion system may be an option if you:
- 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
SI Joint Fusion Considerations for Women - (01:15)
Dr. David Rouben discusses considerations for women who are considering pregnancy. Dr. Rouben is an orthopedic surgeon at Norton Spine Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Who is Not a Candidate for the Rialto SI Fusion System?
The Rialto SI fusion system should not be used in patients with the following conditions:
- Deformities
- Tumor resection
- Infection near the operative site and/or signs of local inflammation
- Failed previous fusion
- Suspected or documented allergy or intolerance to the component materials
RISKS OF SI JOINT SURGERY
Potential risks in any surgical procedure include unforeseeable complications caused by anesthesia, 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 hospitalization 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.
Consult with a Doctor
If you think you’re a candidate for SI joint fusion, talk to your doctor. Need help finding an SI joint specialist? Use our search tool to locate one near you.