What is SI Joint Dysfunction?

What is SI Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliac dysfunction is a condition that may cause low back pain, leg pain and even neurologic symptoms such as numbness or tingling. It can be dramatically similar to symptoms caused by low back conditions such as a disc herniation, bone spur or other degenerative conditions. It may also be associated with primary hip problems as well. A very important association is in patients that have had lumbar fusions. Previous fusions of the lower spine often lead to SI joint dysfunction.

Causes

Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction is actually very common and may be associated with the following:

1. Trauma: Sports, MVA
2. Degenerative or Aging
3. Following a previous Lumbar fusion

After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Many patients develop SI joint pain after lumbar fusion surgery. This is common after L45 and or L5S1 fusions due to stress on the adjacent SI joint. Many times it can be fixed by a simple steroid injection to calm the SI inflammation. Sometimes it doesn't go away and will require a SI joint fusion.

Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

Patients can have a variety of symptoms that often mimick SI joint problems including:

1. Low back pain
2. Leg pain like Sciatica
3. Groin pain
4. Buttock pain
5. Burning down the leg
6. Weakness
7. Hip Pain

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Physical Findings

Physical Findings

1. Pain over SI joint
2. Pain with hip abduction
3. Pain with hip compression
4. Altered walking gait
5. Numbness lateral thigh

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

After the diagnosis is complete then a treatment plan is created. In the majority of cases SI dysfunction can be treated with conservative management including anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. Also there are SI compression belts that help as well. Therapuetic injections with steroids may also be used to calm the SI joint down. Thermal ablation (RFA) is another more lasting option that may be done to temporarily kill the pain nerves to the SI joint. Lastly, Robotic SI Fusion may be done for a more permanent solution to SI joint dysfunction.

Physical Therapy
Thermal Ablation
Therapuetic injections
Robotic SI Fusion