SI Joint Fusion

The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Pearland, TX & Lake Jackson, TX

Your sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your spine to your pelvis, helping transfer weight and movement between your upper body and lower body. When these joints become unstable or damaged, the resulting pain can be severe and affect your ability to walk, sit, or perform daily activities. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas in Pearland, Houston, and Lake Jackson, Texas, Dr. Thomas Jones II offers SI fusion surgery to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve function. To learn more, call or schedule an appointment online today.

What is SI joint dysfunction?

The sacroiliac joints are located where your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) meets the ilium bones of your pelvis. These joints act as shock absorbers, transferring forces between the upper body and legs during movement.

When the SI joints become inflamed, injured, or unstable—often due to trauma, arthritis, pregnancy, or degeneration—it can result in a condition known as SI joint dysfunction. This condition can cause chronic lower back pain, hip pain, and discomfort that radiates into the buttocks or legs.

What are the symptoms of SI joint dysfunction?

Pain from SI joint dysfunction often mimics other spinal or hip conditions, which can make diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

Lower back pain focused on one side
Pain in the buttocks, hips, or groin
Discomfort that worsens when standing, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods
Pain that improves when lying down
Radiating pain into the thigh or leg

Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, an accurate diagnosis is essential.

How is SI joint dysfunction diagnosed?

Dr. Jones begins with a detailed review of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination that includes specific maneuvers to stress the SI joint and assess your pain response. Imaging tests—such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs—may be used to rule out other causes of pain.

A diagnostic injection of local anesthetic into the SI joint can confirm the diagnosis. If your pain significantly decreases after the injection, it indicates the SI joint is the likely source of discomfort.

How is SI fusion performed?

When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections fail to provide relief, SI fusion surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure stabilizes the joint by using specialized implants to fuse the sacrum and ilium together.

Dr. Jones performs SI fusion through a small incision, using advanced surgical techniques to minimize tissue disruption, reduce pain, and speed recovery. The goal is to eliminate abnormal joint motion, relieve inflammation, and restore stability to the pelvis and spine.

Most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility following recovery. Physical therapy is often recommended afterward to help restore strength and function.

If SI joint dysfunction is keeping you from living an active, pain-free life, Dr. Jones can help. Call The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today or schedule a consultation online to learn more about SI fusion surgery.

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