This procedure works well for people with chronic sacroiliac pain and there are no serious concerns about its safety. But, there is not much evidence about how well it works after 3 years. It can be used when there is a problem with 1 or both sacroiliac joints because of inflammation or abnormal movement.
Problems with the sacroiliac joints can cause lower back pain. These joints are at the bottom of the back where part of the spine called the sacrum joins part of the pelvis called the ilium. Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion surgery is done through a small cut in the skin. It aims to stabilise the joint by fixing the sacrum to the ilium using 2 or 3 metal implants. You may need to use crutches for several weeks after the procedure.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.
Is this procedure right for me?
If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Some questions to think about
- What does the procedure involve?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2415-8
This page was last updated: