SI Joint Fusion

  • Thread starter Thread starter SI Guy
  • Start date Start date
S

SI Guy

Guest
Due to injuries long ago, my SI joints have been a problem for many years. I had fusion of L4-L5-S1 four years ago due to disc problems. But since then, the SI joints have just gotten worse. My chiropractor has even suggested that fusion may be in order, but the local surgeons do not believe in it (WI). I am going in tomorrow for SI Joint injections. If this relieves the pain, it may convince a surgeon to operate. However, it makes me nervous given the lack of SI joint fusion experience around here. I am wondering what to watch out for, what it will feel like, etc. Anybody out there have it done?
 
I had SIJ dysfunction, i had 2 lurabar fusions done during last 3 years.
SIJ area is very controversial; not many Drs know about it, not many Drs even believe in it. What exactly surgery are they talking for your problem? I met many people on this board from all over the country, include myself, and all of them have same questions regarding this joint dysfunction.
That is why I concern about you talking surgery for SIJ area? Fusion? I never heard about it. Make sure you go for couple opinions - this is so important before you are making any surgical decisions, it's not a joke.
I have metal plate and clips at SIJ area, but it was discovered I have problems only during my lurabar fusion. He just stabilized it: pain at tailbone area and SIJ area were very bad.

Please, remeraber: see other Drs, see different opinions. Very - very important!
Best of luck!:angel:
 
Moldova is so experienced in the things that can/do go wrong with spine..unfortunately. I trust what you say Moldova...I also have been diagnosed with SI joint problems...and yes...there are very few doctors who are "specialists" in this area of the spine. My neuro. is sending me to a specialist for the SI joint...he is in northern Florida...I will travel to get the best doctor I can...BUT, I have to get an exception from my ins. company to see this Dr...he is not a participator in my ins. Darn...but my neuro is working on that problem.. From what I understand...the SI joint can be fused...which can stop the movement (the SI joint does very little movement..) and from what I understand...it also stops the pain. Lisa is the one who gave me this Dr.s name ...and from the sounRAB of it...he is the SPECIALIST my neuro. has been looking for to deal with SI joint problems. I which you luck in your search for a Dr. who treats the SI joint. I don't think I would take just any Dr...especially if he isn't versed in the problems of the SI joint. Take your time and search for the most knowledgeable/skilled Dr. you can find.. It will be worth the delay in the long run...

Sage
 
We have not gotten to specifics yet, but I am at the end my rope in dealing with the SI joint pain. Two days ago I had steroid injections in the SI joints as a test of locating the pain. I felt better right away, so I know is the source of the pain. However, I also know the injenction won't last. The Neuro that I am talking to is very well known in the area as being the best. He is not a big believer in SI joint fusion, but he is willing to help me out. He says they do it more in the south and that the procedure is not very difficult. I was hoping I could hear from someone who has gone through it. It seems inevitable for me. My chiro has been treating my SI joint and has kept me active for many years. I fell 2 stories in 1988 while building a house and landed on my tail end. Did not break anything, but.... I now am 50 years old and the joints have gotten very unstable and painful. The L4-L5-S1 fusion in 2004 seems to have just transferred the pain to the SI joints. Anybody out there go through SI fusion?
 
I had my L4-S1 fusion done at Colurabia Hospital, Milwaukee by Midwest Spine Clinic (Dr. Stoll - ortho). No problems, but he also had no recommendation for my SI joints. I am now talking to Dr. Maiman at Froedert Hospital, Milw.(neuro).
 
I know both of them. I was going to have Stoll do my fusion but we had a change in insurance companies and I could not see him any longer. I also saw Maiman but he was planning on fusing a minimum of 3 levels, perhaps more...whereas all the orthos I saw were planning on a one level fusion, which I ultimately had at St. Luke's.

I do not have problems with SI joints yet, but the woman I am working with at Spinal Dynamics is already anticipating that I could develop problems as a result of muscle irabalances, etc. caused by issues leading up to the fusion. She is training me to reset the SI joints myself, and to strengthen all the very small muscles in that general vicinity so I will ultimately be more stable.

If you're not yet ready to have surgery, you might want to talk to someone at Spinal Dynamics to see if they could help you. I have been very impressed with the group. I also liked Maiman...I just wanted a more conservative approach than he was willing to take.

I'll be interested in hearing what Maiman recommenRAB you do.
 
HI,

I live in the Milwaukee area and am wondering if you have consulted with spinal specialists in Milwaukee or at the UW-Madison Spine Clinic?

I recently had fusion at L4-5 and am now receiving physical therapy at Spinal Dynamics, which is a group that specializes in and only deals with the spine. It is located by Mayfair, near the medical college. When I have been sitting in the waiting room, I have been amazed that people come from all over the country for specialized treatment. You might try calling them to see if they might be able to help you.

Have you consulted with any orthopedic spinal surgeons in the area? In my case, I found their advice to be quite different from the 2 neurosurgeons I also consulted with. I had a very good experience with the Spine Clinic at UW-Madison also, but I ultimately decided to have my surgery at St. Luke's Medical Center.
 
Hi SI Guy ~

I have some solid information for you from a professional who works with spinal surgeons. If you want to consult with someone who will offer you something other than fusion, your man is Dr. Clay Frank at Integrated Spine Care which is in the office building adjacent to St. Luke's in Mlwaukee.

She felt quite sure that Dr. Maiman would have little to offer you other than surgery. I consulted with both these surgeons and I tend to agree with her. Maiman wanted to do much more surgery on me than did Clay Frank. In addition, Dr. Frank has an interest in SI joint injuries and disfunction. I hope you will call his office and make an appointment for a "second opinion."

xx M:cool:M
 
Thanks for the info. To tell you the truth, I am looking forward to getting the SI joints fused at this point. After so many years of pain and non-surgical treatments (you name it), I just want to get to the root of the problem. The joints are completely unstable and severely limit most of my activities these days. They are beyond anything physical therapy can fix. I was hoping to talk to somebody who has gone through the process. Thanks again.
 
Well, if Maiman doesn't work out for some reason, I suggest you call Dr. Clay Frank. He is a very gifted, and unorthodox spinal specialist who would have some ideas about how to help you.

Also, you and Sage should "chat." She is headed to an SI specialist tomorrow; she lives in Florida.

Hope you find what you're looking for.
 
Back
Top