I-fuse sacroilliac surgery possibility--need advice!

Hi All,

I have recently seen a neurosurgeon in the Chicago area who is trained in this relatively new type of sacroilliac surgery. (I have DDD (-2.5 T-score lumbar) L3-4-5, S1, sacroillitis, and instability in SI joints, due to wear and tear, age, menopause, who knows, along with a 26 degree scoliosis S curve, lumbar osteopenia. Have suffered for 14 years). I am 67.

Basically, they go in and put in three titanium rods to secure the joint. Takes about an hour. This procedure is about five years old and has not been done all that much. Internet info is rather positive. This surgeon has done 15 of which one was unsuccessful (older patient than I am). He said that I was a candidate. I will be seeing at least one if not two more docs in the area that are trained in this procedure to get their opinion. They are ortho surgeons though.

What I would like to know is what are my red flags. I have not had a surgery, so I am not sure what my concerns should be. The neuro doc dismissed my DDD, but I am not so sure. I do not think my bones in the lumbar area are going to get any better. So far I have been treating these conditions with conservative measures, i.e. pain management, rest, ice, bracing sometimes, tens, creams, lotions, physical therapy etc. etc. I have asked to speak to a former patient who has undergone this surgery and am waiting to hear if someone will agree.

Any advice on what I should be really, really careful about, and how can I go about finding out about some of the unsuccessful patients. I personally think that my age and the state of my bones is a concern.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Rest assured that I will do all of my homework, but I thought it a good idea to throw this out there, since so many of you know so much.

Thanks a lot.

Lumiere

I am one of these that likes to see new things be around for awhile & to give them plenty of time to work out all the bugs. In other words I would tread lightly.

I would pay close attention to what Jane has posted to you above. She has had many surgeries for the spine & S1 joint problems.

One of our members recently had several levels fused in the c-spine & she has really bad osteoporosis & her odds for fusing were not that great, however her first recent xrays show she is fusing & doing what she should be at this point. The osteopenia is a precursor to osteoporosis.

I would try some procedures like Jane said before thinking surgery. Take care.

Hi Again,

Yes, Jane I have had epidural, si injections (4 sets) rfa, mri shows mild this and mild that, none of the procedures did anything. This all began at 52 pre-menopause, also wear and tear due to all the stuff of life i.e. childbirth etc. Let's face it, lots of activity of life in the lumbar region of a woman over time, no question. So, I do believe that whatever hormones were holding things together starting fading as age came into play.

Again, cannot thank you enough for your input.

Lumiere

Wow

Thank you fusion girl for Facebook tip. Wonderful!!!!