Has anyone ever had SI-Joint Fusion??? Pros & Cons, please!

I understand people being concerned with the traditional si fusion methods. However the diana method is new, so definitely couldn't have been recommended 15 years ago, must have been a different approach. I can only speak from my experience, but my walking pattern is completely normal and not a waddle. When you're in agony in every position and have exhausted every option, then taking an informed opinion (from a well trusted surgeon)makes sense. Every case is individual, so do take guidance as no two individuals will present in the same way. I did do lots of research and didn't enter into surgery lightly, but so far it was definitely worthwhile. This was a minimally invasive method.

I also had the Ifuse isurgery method used to have my SI joint fused. I was on pain medication, they tried me on everything under the sun, I even tried a spinal cord stimulator, nothing worked to help relieve my pain. It went on being diagnosed as low back for like 3 years or so before I finally found out about the SI joint fusion treatment and scheduled a consult. I was a sure candidate. I went with a neurosurgeon to do mine. and I can say that I went from a chronic pain of an 8 every day to a totally bareable 2, not needing pain medication at all now after the surgery. Recovery is short within 5 months you should be back to normal and that is saying you are slow...most people it would be alot quicker...I was off my crutches within weeks. Although there is discomfort at times from certain things and that I believe will vary on a case by case basis, I can say there is no need to have to a chronic pain patient on opiates unless you are looking for an excuse to be on them. The mechanics of your body will be changed and just any FYI for everyone out there with all this hypomobility and hypermobility of another joint from getting the fusion...thats a bunch of crap... the SI joint only has a 2 to 4 degree range of motion....its nothing like when people get a lumbar fusion at all and its in the ring of your pelvis....so think about that logically....and also the SI joint generally fuses naturally in all humans by age 50 as a natural process....so if you believe you are suffering from this condition it will absolutely no hurt to go to a doctor who is trained to diagnose this condition...your pain management doctors will probably not be able to tell you if you are a candidate and neither will an orthopedic surgeon UNLESS they are trained to treat the condition so look for the physicians who do the procedure. You can find the appropriate doctor with the link below.

http://si-bone.com/

I've been dealing with si pain since 2004, it was misdiagnosed as DDD , which I do have but after RFA's , nerve blocks, and epidorals the pain was never relieved. After 3 neurosurgeons, one bone and joint doctor, pain management and PT I got fed up trusting doctors and after 4 years of pain management treat ment and research I finally came up with si joint dysfunction . I have been on pain meds, oxy contin for 3 years and perce at prior to that. My goal was to do something so that I could live life without meds. This has caused me to lose my army career after 12 years of service. So I asked my pain doctor to do an SI MRI , and to try the si nerve block. The nerve block was successfull and I had no pain for three days. In matter of a few hours I went from not being able to walk without looking like I had a broom stick lodged in a crevis to taking shots on the soccer field from mid field. I payed for when the shot wore off. The MRI showed that all cartilage was gone, there were lesions in the bones from the bone on bone rubbing , and the tendon wa torn to shreds . This was on both the left and right but the left was worse. My PT had never heard of the ifuse but researched it and agreed that if I didn't do it I would need knee replacements in a few years from the extra stress. I found one doctor in the state that does the surgery and he diagnosed me and said I was the perfect candidate . I have surgery tomorrow morning , I can't wait. My PT said if I would have been diagnosed correctly sooner I could have been fixed with PT but because o the wear to the joint there was nothing she could do but help build core muscles and that would only give slight pain relief because the joint is basically flopping around.

So if it has only been 12 months I would go for injections and PT for atleast 3 months and see how it goes, their are also a lot of supplements you can take to help pub the joint and rebuild cartilage , aloe is really good.

I know people who are running 12 mo the after ifuse and some people that say they are worse now than before. Don't listen to other people's opinions , only the facts

Most of the people that I know that had bad luck with the surgery were because that had a quack doctor or they did not take their recovery slow and easy. Even if your doc tells you that you should do something if it hurts or feels like something is wrong don't do it, it's your body, your recovery , your life. If the surgery or RECOVERY goes wrong it is hell to fix

I'm 31, have 3 kids . I haven't been able to pick up my 11yo girl in 4 years, i get teary eyed when I pick up my 5 yo girl because of the pain. It now happening with my 18mo boy. I played semipro soccer and was a pretty good athlete all around and now I can't teach my kids any of it , I don't have a choice but to try the surgery because I can't get much worse.

If you are on Facebook send me a friend invite and I'll send you an invite to an SI JOINT DISFUNCTION support group I just started , there is another group on there to but there is a lot of negative people so I started my own, I know first hand how horrible this can be . I've lost my career and missing out on my kids lives. And the worst part is with th busy life my family has and this disorder it's near impossible to make love to my amazing supportive , loving wife.

I'll be posting on my face book group everyday from day 1 how my recovery goes . Goods. Bads . Whatever . Only thing we ask for in the group is to stay positive and don't be disgruntle towards people that do have high hopes. I hope to do a half marathon at 18-24 months and once I do I'm gonna have the right side done. Any ways search Gregory Scott Williams on Facebook and send me a friend invite and I'll invite you to the group. I'd be glad to tell you my story and I'm sure everyone else will to and there are success stories there . I can delete you as friends after you join the group also lol!!!! Some people are weird about that.

Good luck

Yes, I had the SI joint fusion in 1994 by Dr. David Templeman. Before the surgery my hip rotated out of place all of the time and would have to have it put back into place regularly. Sometimes multiple times a day. (rotating front and back) I wore an SI belt and went to P.T. for 4-5 years prior to surgery. I was walking with a cane prior to the surgery at the age on 18.

The recovery was long and I am very greatful I had it done. I am certain I would be wheelchair bound if I hadn't.

As far as limitations I have noticed bending repetatively will make me sore and that it the only limitation I would say I have. (such as picking up fire wood and stacking it) I can still do this just limit how long I do it for.

This surgery is one of the best things I ever did. I can ride horses, climb mountains what ever I want to do. I would say that I do not have any limitations.

Good luck to you

Hello

I am Christa from Alabama. After suffering chronic back for three years and having three failed back surgeries, I had SIfusion three weeks ago. I am still in much pain and still having to take strong narcotic meds. Would love to join your

group and see if anyone else has had the same.

I've been dealing with si pain since 2004, it was misdiagnosed as DDD , which I do have but after RFA's , nerve blocks, and epidorals the pain was never relieved. After 3 neurosurgeons, one bone and joint doctor, pain management and PT I got fed up trusting doctors and after 4 years of pain management treat ment and research I finally came up with si joint dysfunction . I have been on pain meds, oxy contin for 3 years and perce at prior to that. My goal was to do something so that I could live life without meds. This has caused me to lose my army career after 12 years of service. So I asked my pain doctor to do an SI MRI , and to try the si nerve block. The nerve block was successfull and I had no pain for three days. In matter of a few hours I went from not being able to walk without looking like I had a broom stick lodged in a crevis to taking shots on the soccer field from mid field. I payed for when the shot wore off. The MRI showed that all cartilage was gone, there were lesions in the bones from the bone on bone rubbing , and the tendon wa torn to shreds . This was on both the left and right but the left was worse. My PT had never heard of the ifuse but researched it and agreed that if I didn't do it I would need knee replacements in a few years from the extra stress. I found one doctor in the state that does the surgery and he diagnosed me and said I was the perfect candidate . I have surgery tomorrow morning , I can't wait. My PT said if I would have been diagnosed correctly sooner I could have been fixed with PT but because o the wear to the joint there was nothing she could do but help build core muscles and that would only give slight pain relief because the joint is basically flopping around.

So if it has only been 12 months I would go for injections and PT for atleast 3 months and see how it goes, their are also a lot of supplements you can take to help pub the joint and rebuild cartilage , aloe is really good.

I know people who are running 12 mo the after ifuse and some people that say they are worse now than before. Don't listen to other people's opinions , only the facts

Most of the people that I know that had bad luck with the surgery were because that had a quack doctor or they did not take their recovery slow and easy. Even if your doc tells you that you should do something if it hurts or feels like something is wrong don't do it, it's your body, your recovery , your life. If the surgery or RECOVERY goes wrong it is hell to fix

I'm 31, have 3 kids . I haven't been able to pick up my 11yo girl in 4 years, i get teary eyed when I pick up my 5 yo girl because of the pain. It now happening with my 18mo boy. I played semipro soccer and was a pretty good athlete all around and now I can't teach my kids any of it , I don't have a choice but to try the surgery because I can't get much worse.

If you are on Facebook send me a friend invite and I'll send you an invite to an SI JOINT DISFUNCTION support group I just started , there is another group on there to but there is a lot of negative people so I started my own, I know first hand how horrible this can be . I've lost my career and missing out on my kids lives. And the worst part is with th busy life my family has and this disorder it's near impossible to make love to my amazing supportive , loving wife.

I'll be posting on my face book group everyday from day 1 how my recovery goes . Goods. Bads . Whatever . Only thing we ask for in the group is to stay positive and don't be disgruntle towards people that do have high hopes. I hope to do a half marathon at 18-24 months and once I do I'm gonna have the right side done. Any ways search Gregory Scott Williams on Facebook and send me a friend invite and I'll invite you to the group. I'd be glad to tell you my story and I'm sure everyone else will to and there are success stories there . I can delete you as friends after you join the group also lol!!!! Some people are weird about that.

Good luck[/quote]

Where do you live? Believe it or not, there are 'Gregory Scott Williams' that show up when I searched your name. However, I would love to join your group to get some feedback on this procedure.

Thanks.

Have you had any imaging done of your hip joints or lowerback to see if the problem is somewhere else other than the SI joint?

ace in the troll wrote:

Have you had any imaging done of your hip joints or lowerback to see if the problem is somewhere else other than the SI joint?

Exactly. Did this person have a SI joint injection that relieved the pain? If not, then doubtful it was SI joint pain. Have to be very careful of getting an infusion/surgery. Rarely done and if some Doc is eager to do so... I would be leary.

Hello,

After years of trying to locate the source of my pain, I've come to the unlucky conclusion that I have both lumbar spine and bilateral SI joint issues. I've had many injections, some in the right areas, some not. But when you have more than one problem in a small area it can be very difficult to pinpoint. I narrowed it down to SI or lumbar spine. Injection for SI kinda worked but the injection for lumbar spine worked a lot better, it just didn't last very long. So, last November I had a L4-S1 fusion(had a herniated disc and bony growth pressing on sciatic nerve and a lot of instability). It was wonderful to get rid of that nerve pain. Still had some low back pain but my recovery was pretty tough so I waited it out. But when I went back to work full time my low back pain just got worse. Then it moved to my butt and back of thigh, however it wasn't nerve pain. Hard to describe. Anywhoo, last Friday I had bilateral SI joint injections and I walked out of there with absolutely ZERO pain. I've been able to increase my activities and work with very minimal pain. I'll take it!! I'm hoping these last injections last for a while. I do have a consultation for my SI in about a week, its just nice to not be in pain while I wait:) My point is, it can be a long process but don't do surgery until you've had injections that have relieved your pain.

Hello,

After years of trying to locate the source of my pain, I've come to the unlucky conclusion that I have both lumbar spine and bilateral SI joint issues. I've had many injections, some in the right areas, some not. But when you have more than one problem in a small area it can be very difficult to pinpoint. I narrowed it down to SI or lumbar spine. Injection for SI kinda worked but the injection for lumbar spine worked a lot better, it just didn't last very long. So, last November I had a L4-S1 fusion(had a herniated disc and bony growth pressing on sciatic nerve and a lot of instability). It was wonderful to get rid of that nerve pain. Still had some low back pain but my recovery was pretty tough so I waited it out. But when I went back to work full time my low back pain just got worse. Then it moved to my butt and back of thigh, however it wasn't nerve pain. Hard to describe. Anywhoo, last Friday I had bilateral SI joint injections and I walked out of there with absolutely ZERO pain. I've been able to increase my activities and work with very minimal pain. I'll take it!! I'm hoping these last injections last for a while. I do have a consultation for my SI in about a week, its just nice to not be in pain while I wait:) My point is, it can be a long process but don't do surgery until you've had injections that have relieved your pain.

First of all, I'm a runner, not a t.v. watcher. I ran for 25 yrs before having to quit from my injury, and favor 3-10 mile runs. At my peak, I could do 2+ 5.5 minute miles before slowing down to finish my 5 mile run. Point beint that I had to google the names of the athletes on the anti-spam "test" list to be sure which one wasn't American. The only name I was familiar with was Frank Shorter, because he makes gear.

Anyway, I wanted to second this opinion, even though I have to bump to do so. I am considering SI joint fusion; but I met a guy who got cured the same way, with the ball exercises, and it also took him 8 mo. to get any results at all. I would try it, but I haven't found a doc who can prescribe the specific exercises, yet, and at 4+ years of being sidelined by my pain, I'm tired of mucking about. That man also surfs with a guy who had the SI joint fusion, and was able to go back to surfing, so I guess both can work.

Bumping again, but want to share that this is what steroid injections are for: they are primarily a diagnostic device. They happen to eradicate or improve pain for long periods in some people, so docs find it's worth a try. But, if the injection significantly improves the pain, then a significant amount of the pain is coming from that joint. Very simple.

If the pain were referring, then the injection into the secondary site wouldn't improve the pain, as the nerve isn't numbed by the injection, the inflammation which is irritating the nerve in the joint is reduced.

Hypomobility is better than no mobility due to pain. Also, as far as the SI joint goes, I've been told by everyone I've asked, it (the SI joint) doesn't move, anyway, and so a fusion doesn't alter the way it moves. It prevents erroneous movement which causes pain.

neliah2507 wrote:

I have a million questions regarding this type of joint repair but here are my major ones for anyone willing to share their experience:

1. How did you get your SI-joint pain diagnosed without feeling unsure it was the problem?

2. How long did you attempt to fix this issue with PT before you decided surgery was what you needed?

3. How long did you have pain prior to your surgery?

4. Did the surgery take away all of your pain/discomfort?

5. How long did it take to heal?

6. Are you back to normal activities or do you have specific limitations?

Thank you in advance and I truly appreciate any responses!

____________________________

I've been there.

The pain was intense.

The doctor wanted to fuse my SI joint.

I went for a second opinion.

Thank God I did!!!

Today, I am not sure I'd still be running if I got it fused. It takes away a huge part of your running form, and makes you compensate in many ways that will appear in a dominoe effect in many months to come.

In short, DON'T DO IT!!!

I know that this post was started a while ago....but it still seems to be going strong so I wanted to add my two cents :)

I will start by saying I’m from Canada...and I was in a bad car accident 15 years ago. Double trailer transport truck hit my car –demolished my car- amazingly leaving me “unhurt”. The next day I could not move or walk. After 5 years of MANY doctors telling me I was crazy, making it up and to drink at night. Not only was I in great pain..but no one would give me any drugs to help cope with the pain. I was stuck in bed –I was an insomniac -slowly starting to believe that I was crazy. I was sent to every type of therapy - core strength - stretching, aqua rehab etc. I was sent to acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractor, yoga, TENS machine, SI Joint belt, had lidocaine shots and IV, spinal blocks and cortisone. You name it- I have had it done- tried it.

I finally found a doctor who finally could tell me what was wrong with me....SI joint hyper mobility (dysfunction) but nothing could be done to fix it. He treated my symptoms by doing SI joint nerve blocks and then radio frequency neurotomy (ablation) and FINALLY I was able to get some drugs to help with the pain....Zytram/ Topax/ Nucyenta ...as well as cyclobenzaprene and Percocet....I’m allergic to codeine and morphine...my options are limited.

But back in 2004 - no real treatment for SI joint dysfunction available. Since then, I have been keeping up on the latest treatments. Been watching SI BONE (iFuse) and the Diana system etc...both seem good –although iFuse does seem to be more stable- heals faster and is more stable in the long run. I have been pursuing iFuse for myself but my big problem is I live in Canada....iFuse only available in US.....but I have jumped through the hoops – 8 doctors later...multiple tests- I am hoping I am only a couple of weeks away from hearing that I am approved for surgery. I have talked with many people in the US who have had the surgery and they are amazed at how great they feel. Chronic pain for months/ years....1 hour surgery....wake up and the pain is gone! Recovery is very short....you can be up and about the next day....rest is recommended of course! Success/Satisfaction rate is 95%+ approx for patients with SI joint issue only (no back hip issues)

Now I apologize for making this such a long post but while it is almost impossible to include 15 years of information in such a short amount of space.....and this barely even touches the surface of all the information I have accumulated regarding the si joint and the various fusion processes. But it irks me when people just say “don’t do it”. You don’t know that persons history or background. The person should get all the testing done- go through the therapies....don’t just jump to surgery...it is the last resort. But for a person like me....when you have tried everything and the pain just does not stop – it is there every minute of every day....and just as a note for you naysayers – Doctors have commented on my high pain threshold...so I am not a wimp, whiner or complainer.

When I was 25 years old and first injured- I would not even take Tylenol for a headache....let alone think about something like surgery. I was always active - used to rollerblade, hike, bike etc etc etc. Now I am 41 and have lost many years of my life to this injury – not being able to walk- go grocery shopping or even go out on the beach and enjoy a sunny day with my husband.

If the trade is to lose a little mobility of a joint that normally only moves 2-7mm – I will make that trade. This is not like fusing a neck, spine or knee.....According to the many people I have talked to who have already had the surgery – they have not noticed any lack of movement or mobility issues as they tossed their canes, walkers or scooters. :O)

Hopefully I will be able to post further info regarding surgery soon – if MSP stops with the red tape....I will hear end of Sept.

Any questions –feel free to email me :O)

A

Do you know of any doctors in PA that perform this surgery? Just told I need bilateral fusion. I tried looking for doc's that do this surgery and they are in Europe.

SI joint fusion is a drastic procedure that completely eliminates the joint. You should not do it in the hope of returning to running. If your SI joint is that painful, you should stop running. If you get a fusion, it will severely increase the likelihood of degeneration in other joints.

I tend to agree with you. I have had a couple of surgeries for various issues related to running. Your aches and pains get worse as you get older and/or fixing one thing cause problems with another. In all honesty, find some other activity to fill the void of running. I think that many distance runners haven't had much exposure to other sports and activities; as a result, they tend to be devastated when some injury sidelines them, perhaps permanently. Once I moved on to other things ... hobbies, activities, etc. I realized that there were plenty of other things to do with life. I am still fit, and probably healthier, overall than when I was simply running.

Asdfghjkl wrote:

SI joint fusion is a drastic procedure that completely eliminates the joint. You should not do it in the hope of returning to running. If your SI joint is that painful, you should stop running. If you get a fusion, it will severely increase the likelihood of degeneration in other joints.

Hello. I am 39 year old woman that's has had 10 back surgeries 2 being SI fusions. One I got about 9 weeks ago and the other side 5 days ago. I always had Paine in my left SI joint. So after all the surgeries and back neurotransmitter they were going to sever the SI joint but they told me it would redevelop in about 6months. So I went through withe the surgery. Mt left one was done first. It hurt for about 10 days and I was down to using a cane. Two weeks after that, I felt great. Then my joint was finally fixed. I'm in pain right now because my right fusion was just done and it seemed a lot less sever then the other. The pain is a healing pain not a already there pain so I just have to ride it out. If you have a choice I would go for it it helped me tremendously. I would never change my mind about it. I was walking fine before the second surgery. Like a mile a couple times a week. So it did work. I was unable to do that before surgery.

I was hoping to find out since your post of having the Diana method of SI joint fusion surgery if you've found that to be the continued answer to the relief of pain you had from your SI joint? Are you feeling 90, 80, 50%, etc? better after the surgery? Any info you could share with me of your experience since having that surgery would be a HUGE help. Our symptoms seem to mirror greatly & I get conflicting info from my orth. surgeon & my chiropractor & physical therapist - each one of whom is excellent in their field. I'm so confused as to which direction to take at this point. I just need relief & want off this pain med & to be able to sit or stand for longer than 10 min. without extreme pain (but sitting is more painful than standing). I'm in bed lying on my right side 90% of the day since the pain is in my left SI joint.