MIS SI joint fusion

**Santorini** · 11-05-2010, 10:02 PM

Hello,
I've been researching SI joint dysfunction over the last couple of months and came across the iFuse MIS joint fusion system. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this type of fusion? I plan on calling the number on the site to find out which doctors are currently using this approach/device but I thought I would also ask here.

Sacroiliac (SI)-BONE

I wish I could get some more data on the outcome of this type of fusion. Even the site talks about how difficult it is to diagnose true SI joint dysfunction.

**Paulette** · 01-16-2011, 11:21 AM

I have had my SI joint fused using the i-fuse system. The patients I have come into contact with seem to be doing well. I am having a difficult time, probably because my spine is fused from T9-S1. It puts a lot of pressure on the SI joint. The thing that is confusing to me is the difference in post op directions. My surgeon wanted 50% weight bearing on the affected side. I have read of other surgeons who do not want any wt. bearing for at least 2 months. Hope this helps. jadagirl

**Santorini** · 01-16-2011, 02:59 PM

Hi,
Thanks for your feedback and I am sorry that you are having difficulty with your recovery. Are you finding that those having undergone the i-fuse technique are given a variety of instructions regarding weight bearing after surgery? I have found it difficult to get information from those who have undergone this type of surgery so I can't share much knowledge. Apart from the i-fuse procedure it seems like there are just a handful of surgeons in the US who regularly perform SI joint fusions and they all seem to have their own specific method. It makes it tough to evaluate what might be the best procedure for any given situation. I can imagine that having pedicle screws in your S1 created a challenge for your surgeon, but that is just a guess. What does your surgeon say about your recovery so far? Does he think that you are fusing? Do you mind sharing who did your SI fusion? I am hoping that you are just experiencing recovery pains and that you will benefit from your surgery. Hang in there.

**Paulette** · 01-20-2011, 05:30 PM

I had my surgery done the first time on Oct. 20, 2010 by Dr. Carlton Reckling in Cheyenne, Wyo. A few days later, I had to have a "redo" of the first implant, because it was pressing on a nerve. Except for myself, I have heard really good reports about this surgery. Patients seem to recover rapidly. I called another office on the East coast to see what their post op instructions are. The woman I talked to said it used to be that they didn't want any wt. bearing for 8 weeks. Now they have changed it to partial wt. bearing of the affected side right after surgery. That made me feel a little better, but I am still struggling with a lot of pain. My surgeon is going to try to get me a bone stimulator, which is encouraging. Maybe it will speed up healing, and the pain will decrease. What have the people you have talked to said about pain after their surgery? Thanks!

**Santorini** · 01-23-2011, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Paulette

I had to have a "redo" of the first implant, because it was pressing on a nerve. Except for myself, I have heard really good reports about this surgery.

I can imagine that the trauma of having to go back in and reposition the implant created an extra burden on your body. I also wonder how hard it was to position the implant with your S1 screws. To some degree they must butt up against one another? How many implants did you get with the SI joint fusion? I truly hope that you experience some pain reduction soon. Do you have more mobility now? Or are you feeling restricted from the pain and/or dysfuction? Hang in there.

**Paulette** · 01-23-2011, 10:30 PM

I don't think the implants and screws are abutting up against one another. I read the physio therapist's notes i saw in Las Vegas. He said my sacrotuberous ligament was tight. This was before the SI fusion. Obviously, it is still too tight, because I am in so much pain, and the pain is pudendal nerve pain. What can I do about it? My ilium can't be moved, because I am fused. Apparently it was not aligned properly before being fused. paulette

**Santorini** · 01-23-2011, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by Paulette

I don't think the implants and screws are abutting up against one another. I read the physio therapist's notes i saw in Las Vegas. He said my sacrotuberous ligament was tight. This was before the SI fusion. Obviously, it is still too tight, because I am in so much pain, and the pain is pudendal nerve pain. What can I do about it? My ilium can't be moved, because I am fused. Apparently it was not aligned properly before being fused. paulette

I am so sorry to hear this. Did your surgeon talk about alignment before the fusion? Oddly, this is one of my biggest concerns. There are days when I am more out of alignment than others. Some days my SI belt must be in just the right place because I am able to move more freely and my gait is more normal. Then there are days when it seems like nothing I do can get my pelvis in a normal position. Today is one of those days and I find myself thinking OMG, what if I were fused in the position I am in right now? I'd be stuck with a messed up gait and a ton of nerve pain.

How did the Physio know your sacrotuberous ligament was tight? What does your surgeon say about your nerve pain? I feel terrible that you are left in this position. I hope a solution can be found.

**Paulette** · 01-24-2011, 12:49 PM

Thank you for your concern. I asked the surgeon to make sure the pelvis was aligned before surgery. He said he would try, but the joint was so arthritic, he didn't know if he could. I think these surgeons should have a physical therapist in the operating room with them before the surgery, so they can align the pelvis. Be careful with your decision. I always thought i couldn't get worse, but I did. paulette

**Santorini** · 02-05-2011, 11:31 AM

In my continued search for answers and support for my SI joint/pelvic instability, I've come across a FB page dedicated to the topic. A quick search on SI JOINT DYSFUNCTION in Face Book will get you there. It has been a huge relief to me to find other's who are in a similar situation and learn about conservative and non-conservative treatment options. I stumbled upon this site when I was looking for i-fuse case studies. A recent i-fuse recipient is currently posting her surgical experience. Perhaps others with SI jont problems will find this useful.

Justin - I hope it is ok to provide this information. I've no intention of taking members away from this board, I merely wanted to provide another source of info.

**Justin** · 02-05-2011, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Santorini

In my continued search for answers and support for my SI joint/pelvic instability, I've come across a FB page dedicated to the topic. A quick search on SI JOINT DYSFUNCTION in Face Book will get you there. It has been a huge relief to me to find other's who are in a similar situation and learn about conservative and non-conservative treatment options. I stumbled upon this site when I was looking for i-fuse case studies. A recent i-fuse recipient is currently posting her surgical experience. Perhaps others with SI jont problems will find this useful.

Justin - I hope it is ok to provide this information. I've no intention of taking members away from this board, I merely wanted to provide another source of info.

No worries. It's always a great when SPS Members are able to help one another and share important information with each other. Thanks for sharing this with the SPS community.