The sacroiliac joint is a common cause of back and leg pain. Symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction typically include pain in the low back, which is more commonly isolated to one side, but can be present on both sides. The pain can radiate into the groin or leg, and is often increased with prolonged sitting as well as standing up from a seated position. Routine activities of daily living and sleeping can become very painful and difficult as the condition progresses. Sacroiliac joint pain can occur from a traumatic event such as a fall or a motor vehicle collision, an increased laxity of important stabilizing ligaments in the region of the joint, autoimmune conditions, or from advancement of degenerative arthritis over the course of months or years. Despite the high prevalence of sacroiliac pain, it is not uncommon for the condition to go misdiagnosed as conditions such as a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve for lengthy periods of time. Once diagnosed, initial treatment generally includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and injections. If treatments such as these did not provide long-lasting relief, up until just a few year ago, additional treatment options were very limited and seldom resulted in long-term pain resolution. However, there is now a minimally-invasive treatment option available for patients that have failed appropriate nonsurgical care and continue to have pain. The surgery involves a 1-inch incision, takes 30 minutes, and patients are able to be discharged home the day of surgery. Weight-bearing is protected for a total of 4 weeks following surgery to ensure adequate healing, after which point restrictions are removed and a stretching and strengthening program is instituted. If surgery were ultimately decided upon, our board-certified spine specialist at Guilford Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Mark Dumonski, will discuss in detail the specifics of the surgery, as well as the associated risks, alternatives, and the expected recovery time. Questions are always encouraged, and if additional questions were to arise after your office visit, please call the office. A return call from either Dr. Dumonski, his physician assistant Kayla, or one of his medical assistants can be expected within 24 hours of your call.
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