SI Joint Fusion in Chicago
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes the joint between the base of the spine and the pelvis when it keeps causing low back, buttock or hip pain. Through a small incision, Dr. Nidal Elbaridi places an implant across the joint under fluoroscopy, a live X-ray, so the joint stops moving painfully and gradually fuses. It is for patients whose SI joint pain has come back despite physical therapy and injections.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Where it’s done
SI joint fusion is performed at Insight Hospital and Medical Center, 2525 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616, and at affiliated outpatient surgery centers. Your consultation and follow-up visits are at our South Loop or Streeterville office.
What is SI joint pain?
The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine (the sacrum) to the pelvis, one on each side. When a joint becomes worn, inflamed or moves too much, it can cause pain that feels like it comes from the low back.
How patients describe it
- pain on one side of the low back, just beside the spine at belt level or below
- pain in the buttock, groin or back of the thigh, usually not below the knee
- pain that is worse when standing up from sitting, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg
- pain when lying on the affected side
Common causes include arthritis, a fall or car accident, pregnancy and childbirth, a difference in leg length, and an earlier lumbar spine fusion that puts more load on the SI joints.
Talk to Dr. Elbaridi about SI joint pain
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville offices.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Confirming the SI joint is the source
SI joint pain is easy to confuse with pain from the lumbar spine or the hip, so Dr. Elbaridi confirms the source before recommending fusion. He examines you with specific SI joint tests, reviews your imaging, and uses diagnostic SI joint injections: if numbing the joint clearly relieves your usual pain, the joint is the source.
Every procedure is performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance.
Before fusion
Most patients start with physical therapy, strengthening, and SI joint injections. Fusion is considered when the pain is confirmed to come from the SI joint, has lasted six months or longer, and keeps returning despite that treatment.
Who is a candidate
Dr. Elbaridi decides whether SI joint fusion fits your pain after your consultation, your exam and your imaging. You may be a candidate if you have:
- SI joint pain lasting six months or longer
- pain confirmed to come from the SI joint by diagnostic injections
- pain that hasn’t improved enough with physical therapy, medications and SI joint injections, or relief from injections that keeps wearing off
Who is not a candidate
SI joint fusion may not be appropriate when:
- there is an active infection
- bleeding risk is not adequately controlled
- the pain comes mainly from the lumbar spine, the hip or another source
- diagnostic injections did not relieve your usual pain
- a fracture, tumor or bone condition affects the sacrum or pelvis
- you are pregnant
- you decide not to go ahead with treatment
What happens during SI joint fusion
Anesthesia
SI joint fusion is usually done with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia, so you are comfortable and still. The exact plan depends on you and the facility.
The procedure
Through a small incision over the back of the pelvis, Dr. Elbaridi guides instruments to the joint under fluoroscopy and places an implant, often with bone graft, across the joint to hold it still while it fuses. The incision is closed with a few stitches or skin glue.
How long it takes
The procedure itself usually takes about an hour. Plan on 3 to 4 hours at the hospital or surgery center, and most patients go home the same day. Because anesthesia is used, arrange for someone to drive you home.
Recovery and results
Recovery
Expect soreness at the incision for a few days to a couple of weeks. You may be asked to limit weight on that side, sometimes with a walker or crutches, for a short time. Light activity and desk work usually resume within one to two weeks, and physical therapy follows. Heavy lifting, running and twisting sports usually wait about three months while the joint fuses.
Results
Many patients notice less pain within the first few weeks, and improvement continues over several months as the joint fuses. Results vary, and the fusion is meant to be lasting rather than repeated.
A bridge to recovery, not a lifelong treatment
We believe movement is the essence of recovery: physical therapy, yoga and strengthening. Pain management is an important intermediate step. It brings pain down enough for you to do the work that keeps you better.
When appropriate, treating the source of the pain is often a better strategy than relying on long-term opioids.
An interdisciplinary plan
Dr. Elbaridi performs the full spectrum of interventional pain management, from diagnostic nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures and implanted devices. Every plan is interdisciplinary: physical therapy, movement and strengthening, coordinated with your primary care doctor and, when needed, a spine surgeon.
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician
- Interventional pain fellowship, Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women’s Hospital (2016)
- Anesthesiology residency, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County (2015)
- MD, Ross University School of Medicine (2010)
- Former licensed physical therapist (B.S., Indiana University, 1997)
Insurance and prior authorization
- We pre-authorize every procedure, SI joint fusion included, before it is scheduled.
- We do not charge out-of-network rates. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
Insurers usually want records of at least six months of conservative treatment and diagnostic injection results before they approve SI joint fusion.
SI joint pain after a work injury or accident
Your first visit can happen this week. Procedures are pre-authorized with the carrier before they’re scheduled.
We also accept Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury (Letter of Protection) cases. See Workers’ Comp and personal injury, or call (312) 414-1088.
SI joint fusion questions, answered
Is SI joint fusion major surgery?
It is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small incision, guided by fluoroscopy, and most patients go home the same day. It is not open surgery.
How do I know my pain is from the SI joint?
Dr. Elbaridi confirms it with an exam, your imaging and diagnostic SI joint injections. If numbing the joint clearly relieves your usual pain, the joint is the source.
Will I lose movement in my back?
The SI joint moves only a little to begin with, so most patients don’t notice a change in how they bend or walk once they have recovered.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light activity and desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity usually waits about three months while the joint fuses.
Do I have to try injections first?
Usually, yes. Physical therapy and SI joint injections come first, and injections also confirm that the SI joint is the source of your pain.
Is SI joint fusion covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on medical necessity, and we verify before your visit. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Book your appointment at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.