Surgical stabilisation of the sacroiliac joint for patients with chronic SI joint pain unresponsive to injections and physiotherapy.
The sacroiliac joint connects the base of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis. When it becomes dysfunctional or unstable, it causes low back and buttock pain that can radiate down the leg and be mistaken for sciatica. SI joint fusion stabilises the joint using small titanium implants placed across the joint through a lateral incision.
The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under general or regional anaesthetic. Mr. Rath uses fluoroscopic guidance to place the implants with precision. Hospital stay is typically one to two nights.
Weight-bearing walking is encouraged from the first post-operative day with physiotherapy support.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to good outcomes in SI joint surgery. Mr. Rath uses a systematic diagnostic pathway — including provocative examination and image-guided injection — to confirm the SI joint as the pain source before recommending surgery. We only operate when the diagnostic criteria are clearly met.
Mr. Rath will discuss the full risk-benefit balance at your consultation.
Day of surgery · 1–2 days
Short hospital stay. Physiotherapy begins the following morning with weight-bearing walking.
Week 1-2 · 2 weeks
Rest at home with crutches if required. Gradual weight-bearing as tolerated.
Week 3-6 · 4 weeks
Crutches typically discontinued. Physiotherapy begins around week 4 to restore pelvic stability and walking pattern. Driving at around 4–6 weeks.
Week 6 onwards · 3–6 months
Phase-wise return to normal activity guided by Mr. Rath at the 6-week review. Fusion consolidates over 3–6 months.
Diagnosis is confirmed by a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and a diagnostic injection directly into the SI joint. If an injection relieves your pain significantly, surgery is more likely to help.
Online and in-clinic consultations available across the North West.
Book Appointment