iFuse 3D offers a minimally invasive approach to address persistent pain in your lower back, buttocks, or legs caused by sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. This procedure helps stabilize the SI joint and provides lasting relief.
If you have persistent pain in the lower back, around the buttocks, or radiating down the legs, it could be a symptom of SI joint dysfunction. At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball offers the advanced iFuse 3D procedure to stabilize your SI joint, reduce pain, and help you regain your active lifestyle.
Contact us to know how we can help you with SI joint pain.
The Sacroiliac (SI) joints are two powerful shock absorbers that connect your spine to your pelvis and help:
It’s evident that this joint plays a key part in keeping you moving and active. In order to achieve this, the SI joint is richly supplied with nerves, making it a sensitive source of pain. This means that any problem with the SI joint can trigger pain signals that radiate throughout your lower back, buttocks, hips, and even down your legs.Â
SI joint dysfunction occurs when the normal movement and alignment of the SI joints are disrupted. This disruption can lead to inflammation, muscle spasms, and a variety of painful symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life.
The specific location and intensity of the pain may vary and depends on the nature of the SI joint problem.
The underlying causes of SI joint dysfunction are diverse and may include:
The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction can vary from person to person but often include:
This condition is often misdiagnosed as other causes of lower back pain, making accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment essential.
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, and injections have not offered relief from your SI joint dysfunction, the iFuse 3D system may be right for you.
This innovative, minimally invasive procedure is designed to provide lasting stability to the SI joint, effectively reducing pain and restoring your overall quality of life.
The implant has a 3D-printed porous surface, promoting bone growth and ensuring secure, long-lasting fusion. Its unique triangular shape and fenestrated (perforated) design provide strength and enhance bone ingrowth, allowing for more natural integration with the body.
Unlike traditional open surgeries, iFuse 3D uses small titanium implants to fuse the bones of the SI joint together, providing long-term stability and support. It preserves healthy bone tissue and allows for natural joint movement.
iFuse 3D is a revolutionary, bone-sparing approach that aims to provide long-term pain relief and improved function, empowering you to reclaim your active lifestyle.
Key benefits of iFuse 3D include the following.
If you're considering iFuse 3D to address your SI joint pain, it's natural to wonder what the procedure involves. At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball performs the procedure with thorough care and precision, prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout the process.
Here's a step-by-step overview of what you can expect.
Before the procedure, Dr. Ball will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm that iFuse 3D is the right treatment option for you. Once it has been identified as the best option for your case, you'll receive detailed instructions on pre-operative preparation. This includes any necessary lab work and medication adjustments you may need.
The iFuse 3D procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day. You'll receive general anesthesia during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed at all times.
During the procedure, Dr. Ball starts by making one small, cosmetic incision about 2-3 inches in length along the side of the buttock. Using special soft tissue dilators to prevent any cutting of muscle, the operative area is accessed with minimal trauma. Then, he uses specialized instruments and real-time X-ray guidance to insert three iFuse 3D titanium implants across the SI joint to stabilize the bones.
The incisions are then closed with sutures, which are absorbable and sewn under the skin for an aesthetic appearance.
After the procedure, you'll be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being discharged. However, if needed, an overnight stay may be arranged.
We recommend using crutches or a walker for 3 to 4 weeks. This ensures that you only put 50% of your body weight on the operative side.
Before discharge, our team will give you detailed post-operative instructions, including guidelines for pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.
Physical therapy sessions can help in your recovery and we advise patients to follow the recovery plan recommended by Dr. Ball. Physical therapy can help you regain strength, flexibility, and balance and aid in a smooth recovery process.
Most patients are able to return to their regular activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
While iFuse 3D has proven to be a highly effective treatment for many people with SI joint dysfunction, it may not be the right solution for everyone. The best way to determine if iFuse 3D is appropriate for you is to consult with an expert for a comprehensive evaluation.
As a general guideline, you may be a good candidate for iFuse 3D if you:
Our spine surgeon, Dr. Hieu T. Ball, is an expert in the iFuse 3D procedure for treating sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Schedule an appointment today to find out how this innovative treatment can help alleviate your symptoms.
For appointments, please call us at (925) 838-8830 or request an appointment online.
The iFuse 3D procedure typically takes between one to two hours to complete.
Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks and full activities within 4 to 6 weeks. During your post-op consultation, Dr. Ball will provide a personalized recovery plan for your case.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection and bleeding. Dr. Ball will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the iFuse 3D procedure. Please contact our office to have our staff verify your coverage before scheduling your consultation.
