Where is the sacroiliac joint?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is the joint between the sacrum (bony base of lumbar spine) and the ilium (pelvic bone). Located in the pelvis, this joint is connected by strong ligaments that allow it to move while maintaining stability.
What is sacroiliac joint pain?
SI joint pain is characterized by tingling or sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from the hips and pelvis up to the lower back and down to the thighs. The job of the SI joint is to absorb shock between the upper body and the lower extremities. Sacroiliac joint pain can be caused by osteoarthritis, trauma, or other health conditions. For many (15-30%) with lower back pain, the sacroiliac joint is often the cause.
What are the symptoms of SI joint pain?
The most common symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include:
- Back pain when sitting or lying down
- Dull ache below waist
- Buttock pain, may radiate to thigh/groin
- Pain worse climbing stairs or hills
What causes sacroiliac joint pain?
There are different conditions that cause sacroiliac joint pain, the most common are:
- Post pregnancy
- Post lumbar fusion
- Sacral fractures
- Arthritis
- Infection
- Instability
What is the Sacrix Sacroiliac Fixation procedure?
The Sacrix technique is a new, minimally invasive joint procedure that is revolutionizing the treatment for sacroiliac joint pain. It is 100% percutaneous (through the skin) with less than 1.5 cm incision. It avoids the gluteal muscles and blood vessels to fuse the SI joint and is done from a lateral-oblique trajectory.
How is the Sacrix Sacroiliac Fixation procedure done?
The procedure is minimally invasive and can be done in an outpatient setting. A small incision is made in the skin and the surgeon uses a specialized device to insert two surgical screws to fix (or fuse) the joint, preventing friction, pain and dysfunction. The surgeons at Optimal are specially trained to offer the Sacrix procedure which offers less down time, less bleeding and a smaller incision than traditional fusion options.
Is the Sacrix Sacroiliac Fixation FDA cleared?
Yes! The Sacrix device and procedure are cleared by the FDA for conditions including sacroiliac joint disruptions and degenerative sacroiliitis.
Will my insurance pay for the Sacrix joint fusion?
Most major insurances will cover the Sacrix joint fusion procedure. However, it is always best to check with your specific carrier. We are here to help, so please give us a call and we can help check with your insurance company.