Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SI joint pain) treatments generally focus on restoring regular motion in the joints and alleviating pain. Nonsurgical procedures are used in most cases for effectively managing SI joint pain. During your initial consultation with the surgeon, the appropriate treatment options will be determined.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Pain medication
Anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen and over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen are usually recommended for relieving mild to severe pain. Narcotic painkillers, muscle relaxants, and other prescription medications may be used during acute and severe pain episodes. These medications should be used with caution since they are highly addictive and lead to severe side effects.
- Manual manipulation
An osteopathic doctor or another trained and qualified healthcare professional can manually manipulate the joint for reducing pain. This is recommended when the pain is because of hypomobility or too little motion. The therapy will involve manual procedures applied to the lower back region and SI joint. It will be performed with the goal of reducing muscle tension and joint fixation in the lower back region and SI joint.
- Supports or braces
A pelvic brace is used when the SI joint is hypermobile or lose. The brace is helpful in cases where the joint is painful and inflamed.
- Sacroiliac joint injections
Bupivacaine, lidocaine, or another local anesthetic when injected with corticosteroid or another anti-inflammatory medication can help in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Joint injection can be used for minimizing pain during physical therapy program.
Surgical Treatments
Sacroiliac joint fusion is the standard surgery used for addressing the SI joint pain. The goal is to completely mitigate movement at the sacroiliac joint. This is done by grafting the sacrum with the ilium.
Implanted rods and screws are involved in sacroiliac fusion. It may involve possible bone grafts too. In recent years, minimally invasive procedures have been developed for improving the results of disability and pain, and for reducing recovery time.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Procedure
Sacroiliac joint fusion can be performed by two surgical systems. However, these steps are common among all procedures:
- A small incision is made on the lower back for gently moving the muscles aside. This is done after administering general anesthesia.
- A small hole will be drilled through the ilium for accessing the joint
- Bone growth is encouraged by placing surgical implants and a bone graft
- The site is closed with standard sutures after putting the muscles back in place
Recovery
A combination of pain medications, at-home treatments, and physical therapy are required for recovering from a sacroiliac joint fusion. Additionally, your doctor may also recommend using a pelvic brace for limiting painful movements and stabilizing the pelvis. The recovery period for the procedure generally lasts for 3 to 6 months.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
