Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization Specialist

Our Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion and Stabilization procedure is an effective treatment for low back and buttocks pain coming from the sacroiliac joint.  The cutting edge technology of PainTeq’s LinQ system allows Dr. Enayati and Dr. Gruver to stabilize and fuse the joint using a very small bone allograft implant.  There is no need for bone screws, bone drills, or large incisions.  The procedure can be performed in a surgery center and you can go home within a few hours—no overnight hospital stay is necessary!  

Who is a good candidate for a Sacroiliac Joint Fusion and Stabilization Procedure?

You may be a candidate for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion and Stabilization if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

• Chronic low back and/or buttocks pain
• Chronic low back pain after trauma/injury
• Chronic low back pain that radiates into the buttocks, lower back, and groin region
• Referred pain into the legs (this can be mistaken for sciatica)
• Stiffness or soreness in your lower back when you stand up after sitting for a while
  

Sacroiliac Joint pain may be difficult to diagnose as it mimics other types of low back pain; however, Dr. Enayati and Dr. Gruver are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint pain.

Our stabilization/fusion procedure is for patients who get temporary pain relief from sacroiliac joint injections but find that the pain comes back afterward.

Before moving forward with Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion, Dr. Enayati or Dr. Gruver will perform a detailed physical examination, order imaging studies, and perform diagnostic procedures to confirm that the sacroiliac joint is in fact the primary generator of your pain and that the pain cannot be eliminated with simple injections alone.

How does this procedure work?

This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed via a very small incision in the lower back and is usually completed in less than one hour of surgical time.  A small bone allograft is inserted into the Sacroiliac Joint, which has the immediate effect of increased stability (and therefore decreased pain) in the joint.  Over time, the natural allograft fuses with the bone around the joint so the effect is very long-lasting—because the allograft is a natural material it is able to essentially become part of your body, rather than existing as a foreign object inside you.

Dr. Enayati and Dr. Gruver use PainTeq’s LinQ system.  You can find more information about this system here: https://painteq.com/patients/ 

If the joint is “fused,” won’t it be hard for me to move around?

Unlike traditional fusion, patients do not lose range of motion in their sacroiliac joint after our Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion procedure.  The joint is still able to move naturally, so you should not feel restricted from normal movements after the procedure. 

To ensure the best results, the doctor will ask you to avoid certain movements for a few weeks after the procedure, but that is only a short-term restriction.

How long will I be hospitalized after surgery?

You won’t need to set foot in a hospital, and you can go home about an hour after the surgery is finished.  Our Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion procedure is an out-patient procedure performed at an ambulatory surgical center.  

Is minimally-invasive sacroiliac fusion a safe procedure?

One of the reasons this Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion system is so revolutionary is that it has a much lower risk of complications than traditional (invasive) fusion surgery. There is no need to expose the whole joint for this surgery—only a small opening is needed to insert the allograft implant—which decreases risks of infection and allows for a faster recovery.

The procedure uses a posterior approach that avoids major blood vessels and nerves. The natural allograft implant is also easier for your body to “accept” compared to the metal screws that are used for traditional fusion.

Of course, there is some risk with any medical procedure, but this minimally-invasive technique represents a big step forward in terms of both safety and comfort.

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion are covered by most PPO health insurance plans. Our team will contact your insurance prior to the procedure to confirm coverage and obtain prior authorization.

For more information on about Minimally-Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization and Fusion, please call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Enayati or Dr. Gruver.