If you're dealing with stubborn low back or pelvic pain — especially if it’s radiating into the upper leg — your sacroiliac (SI) joint could be the source. SI joint dysfunction is a frequently overlooked cause of chronic pain, but fortunately, it's highly treatable.
At The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, we offer robotic-assisted SI joint fusion using the advanced Globus ExcelsiusGPS® robotic system, providing patients with a precise, minimally invasive solution for lasting pain relief.
What Is the SI Joint?
The SI joint connects the spine’s base (sacrum) to the pelvis (ilium) and plays a key role in stabilizing your core and absorbing motion between the upper body and legs. SI joint dysfunction can result from injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or even prior spinal surgeries, leading to pain and instability in the lower back.
When Should You Consider SI Joint Fusion?
While many cases of SI joint pain improve with physical therapy, injections, or bracing, some patients experience persistent symptoms that don't respond to non-surgical treatments. You may be a candidate for SI joint fusion if:
- You have chronic pain on one side of the lower back
- Pain is worse with sitting, standing, or transitioning between the two
- You’ve had temporary relief from SI joint injections
- Imaging and diagnostics confirm SI joint dysfunction
Choosing the Right Surgeon
SI joint fusion is a specialized procedure that requires technical expertise and a precise approach. At The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, our surgeons are:
- Board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine surgery
- Experts in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures
- Among the few in the region using the Globus ExcelsiusGPS® robotic platform for SI joint fusion
We use a comprehensive evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis — and we only recommend surgery when absolutely appropriate.
How we Perform SI Joint Fusion Using ExcelsiusGPS® Robotics
At our center, we perform robotically assisted, minimally invasive SI joint fusion to offer patients the safest and most effective option for long-term relief. Here's what to expect:
- Advanced Surgical Planning: A 3D CT scan of your pelvis and spine is used to create a personalized surgical plan. This data is uploaded into the ExcelsiusGPS® robotic system, allowing the surgeon to plot the safest and most accurate pathway to the joint.
- Precise Navigation: Through a small incision (around 2–3 cm), the robotic arm guides specialized instruments to the exact target location. This robotic assistance enhances accuracy, avoids surrounding nerves and tissues, and improves overall implant positioning.
- Stabilization: Once the SI joint is prepared, titanium implants or screws are inserted across the joint to promote bone fusion and long-term stability.
- Same-Day Discharge: The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients return home the same day with little downtime.
Why Robotic Assistance Matters
The ExcelsiusGPS® robotic system is a game-changer in spine surgery. It offers:
- Exceptional accuracy in implant placement
- Minimally invasive access, resulting in smaller incisions and less tissue disruption
- Reduced pain and faster recovery
- More consistent surgical outcomes
This technology allows our surgeons to perform complex procedures with unparalleled precision and safety.
Life After SI Joint Fusion
Most patients begin walking the day of surgery or the next morning. Light activities often resume within 1–2 weeks, and most return to normal function within 6–8 weeks. As the joint fuses over time, pain continues to improve.
Many of our patients experience dramatic, long-term relief from SI joint pain and a significant improvement in quality of life. Let our team help you get back to living with less pain and more freedom.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been battling lower back or pelvic pain that hasn't responded to conservative care, SI joint fusion with robotic precision may be the solution.
📍 The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
📞 732.830.1212
