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Sacroiliac Fusion
Sacroiliac Fusion is a procedure that your doctor may recommend if your sacroiliac joints continue to hurt after diagnosing the problem and injecting the joint with local anesthesia and steroids. If you are considering the procedure, there are things to understand below.
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This is a surgical fusion of the joint itself and the recovery will have instructions that you need to follow that are listed below.
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Since this is a surgical procedure there is pain during the recovery and healing of the fusion. The pain is significant, so please plan for this. Pain medicines will be needed which can cause constipation so preventing the constipation by taking daily Miralax may be needed so talk to the doctor.
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You will need to have antibiotics that your doctor will prescribe.
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No smoking is allowed for 1 week before and 3 months after surgery since it inhibits bone healing.
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No NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) are allowed for 1 week before and 3 months after surgery since it inhibits bone healing.
Some Sacroiliac Fusions are done with cadaver bone and some with metal implants. Once your doctor recommends the right product for you watch the video that will show you more about the brand you will have.
Sacroiliac Fusion - Post Operative Instructions
Post Anesthesia:
If you received anesthesia/sedation for the remainder of the day you so you should NOT make critical decisions or sign any legal documents. You should NOT consume alcohol. You should NOT drive or operate heavy machinery.
Medications:
You may be prescribed a post-operative medications, if so take as instructed. If you are on a blood thinner speak with your doctor about when to resume. No NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil, etc.) for 4 months after your procedure.
Incision Care:
If there is a dressing, you may remove it on the morning after surgery BEFORE your shower. If Surgical Glue is used expect it will slowly peel off within 14 days. Please call us with any changes or concerns such as: redness, swelling or drainage at incision site, or temperature greater than 101°. (Clear liquid drainage in the first 24 hours is normal)
Bathing:
You may shower the morning after surgery after removing the dressing; avoid scrubbing the incision site for 72 hours. No baths or swimming until approved by the physician or physician assistant at your follow up appointment.
Restrictions:
For 4 weeks after surgery:
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No strenuous activity
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No lifting greater than 10lbs
Exercise:
Increase your light activity, such as walking, as tolerated.
Diet:
Eat a healthy diet to promote healing.
Smoking:
Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases the rate of bone and skin healing and also interferes with the effectiveness of pain medication.
Driving:
You may drive the day after the procedure if you feel okay to do so. Do not drive if you are taking pain medications.
Follow-Up:
You may experience soreness from this procedure for up to 2 weeks. You will have a post-operative appointment approximately 14 days after surgery. If you have not already made your follow-up appointment, call your surgeons office to make one.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office triage line at 734-373-7246. If it is AFTER HOURS call the answering service at 734-572-7418.
