AHN: SI Joint Pain Relief with Minimally Invasive Solutions

Often overlooked due to its symptoms disguised as low back pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is an underdiagnosed condition that affects an estimated 15–30% of patients with chronic low back symptoms.* At AHN Neuroscience Institute, a leading team of neurosurgeons is advancing diagnostics and treatment — offering the region’s only access to SI-BONE^®’s iFUSE Implant System.

Identifying SI joint dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction can stem from various causes, including arthritis, traumatic injury, pregnancy, or anatomic differences with women disproportionately affected. Its symptoms can mimic lumbar spine disorders, often delaying proper diagnosis.

A key clinical indicator: patients with SI joint dysfunction typically experience pain when sitting, while lumbar spine issues tend to worsen with standing.

Other symptoms of SI joint dysfunction may include:

• Pain when transitioning from sitting to standing.
• Sleep disturbances due to pain.
• Lower limb weakness, numbness, or instability.
• Pain or discomfort despite low back surgery or injections.

Leading the region in SI joint solutions with iFUSE

AHN Neuroscience Institute hosts one of the largest SI joint programs in the region, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment — including the minimally invasive iFUSE procedure.

AHN is the first in the region to perform the iFUSE procedure. This approach involves stabilizing the SI joint via small incisions and the placement of titanium implants, minimizing tissue disruption and recovery time.

“iFUSE has delivered long-lasting pain relief for many of my patients,” said AHN neurosurgeon, Nestor Tomycz, MD, who has performed nearly 300 of these procedures. “Within six to eight weeks, most patients are back to their normal activities with little to no pain and improved function.”

With more treatments becoming available as SI joint dysfunction awareness grows, AHN remains committed to using only the highest-standard procedures and evidence-backed interventions proven effective through years of research and positive results.

Timely diagnosis and treatment matters

Delayed diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction can contribute to compounding musculoskeletal issues and reduced quality of life, including:

• Lack of mobility and decreased activity.
• Stress on other joints, like hips and knees.
• Uneven gait and other imbalances.
• Increased reliance on opioids.

Once SI joint dysfunction is diagnosed, interventions like injections performed via fluoroscopy and physical therapy have proven to be effective ways to treat pain. Neurologists at AHN work with patients to determine which treatments will restore SI joint balance and prevent long-term health issues.

“We have several options available for patients before it comes to surgery,” said Dr. Tomycz. “People undergo significant testing and imaging to ensure they are a viable candidate and to determine whether surgery or other treatment options will give them the best outcomes. The main focus is getting them back to living their lives pain-free.”

How to refer

If your patient presents with unresolved low back pain and previous treatments have failed, consider SI joint dysfunction as a potential diagnosis. Refer to AHN Neuroscience Institute for expert evaluation and advanced treatment options. Call (412) 359-6200.