SI joint fusion restores mobility and ends years of back pain

For 15 years, Elaine lived with chronic back pain that began during pregnancy and gradually limited her ability to work, stay active and enjoy everyday life. As a teacher, even standing through the school day became a challenge. Despite trying physical therapy, and other treatments, relief remained out of reach. 

"My back pain started 15 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter," said Elaine. 

By the time she sought care at Loyola Medicine, her quality of life had significantly declined. After researching her symptoms and treatment options, she learned about sacroiliac (SI) surgery and scheduled an appointment with neurosurgeon Joseph Serrone, MD. 

Targeted, minimally invasive procedure brings relief from SI joint pain 

Dr. Serrone confirmed that Elaine's pain was coming from her SI joint, which connects the spine and pelvis. When the joint becomes damaged or unstable, even routine activities such as walking, standing or climbing stairs can become painful. 

“She was very clear about where it was,” Dr. Serrone recalled after asking Elaine about her pain in the initial appointment. “She pointed to her backside on the right, not necessarily in the middle, but kind of off to the side. And when people do that, we think about the sacroiliac joint, also known as the SI joint.” After a thorough assessment, he determined she was a candidate for a minimally invasive SI joint fusion procedure designed to stabilize the joint and provide lasting pain relief.

"The quality of life was just at an all-time low and Dr. Serrone came at the perfect time," said Elaine. 

During the outpatient procedure, two to three titanium implants are inserted from the patient’s side and placed across the sacroiliac joint, connecting the ilium, or pelvis, to the sacrum at the base of the spine. The procedure is performed through a 1-inch incision and uses X-ray guidance, allowing surgeons to precisely place the implants while minimizing pain, blood loss and recovery time.

SI joint fusion restores mobility and quality of life

For Elaine, the results were almost immediate. "I felt the difference right away." 

Within weeks, she was walking independently and returning to activities that chronic pain had once made impossible. Her recovery allowed her to regain the mobility and independence she had not experienced in years. 

"To allow her to live the way that she wants to live is the most rewarding part of our job," says Dr. Serrone. "I think I'm speaking for all of our colleagues at Loyola."

Elaine's outcome reflected exactly that goal, as she was able to resume the moments and milestones that matter most. One memory stands out above all others.

"My biggest accomplishment was being able to dance with my daughter at her quinceañera."

The milestone was especially meaningful after years of pain and limited mobility. Elaine was able to wear high heels, dance throughout the celebration and enjoy the experience without discomfort. Since her surgery, she has also traveled to Hawaii, gone hiking and returned to the active lifestyle she once thought she had lost. 

Today, Elaine says the procedure has given her a new outlook on life.

"I'm a new person. It's amazing. I don't struggle to get out of bed. I sleep through the night now. I thank Dr. Serrone every day. I do."

Loyola provides advanced neurosurgical care, personalized for every patient

Loyola Medicine has one of the most comprehensive and advanced neurosurgery departments in the nation. We take a multidisciplinary approach and provide support services for patients and families. As an academic medical center, Loyola provides compassionate, exceptional care to patients and trains future leaders in neurology and neurosurgery.

Loyola’s expert neurosurgeons are highly skilled in the surgical treatment of a wide range of neurologic conditions to provide patients with an individualized treatment plan using the most advanced techniques and technology available.

To learn more visit: Neurology & Neurosurgery | Loyola Medicine