What Is SI Joint Fusion?
Chronic pain can make everyday movement feel harder than it should. At Ameglio Orthopedics in Fort Myers, FL, patients receive focused care and advanced solutions for conditions that affect the sacroiliac (SI) joint, including specialized SI joint fusion surgery with the iFuse Implant System®. The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and plays an important role in absorbing shock and supporting your body weight. SI joint fusion is a type of sacral fusion that stabilizes the joint and reduces pain caused by movement or inflammation. Dr. Peter Ameglio is Southwest Florida's leading iFuse SI joint surgeon and a consultant to SI-Bone®, the company behind the iFuse Implant System. SI-Bone is a medical technology company that developed the iFuse Implant System to improve outcomes for patients with SI joint dysfunction. Unlike other systems, iFuse is made of titanium and coated with a porous surface that helps the bone grow around it over time. This system is trusted for its durability, precision, and proven clinical outcomes. The iFuse Implant System is unique to Dr. Ameglio's Fort Myers, FL practice. Contact our staff to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ameglio and see if this surgical procedure may be right for you.
What Happens During SI Joint Fusion?
Many people with SI joint dysfunction experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips, especially when standing, walking, or climbing stairs. It can also feel like sciatica or mimic other spinal conditions, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important. During a fusion of the SI joint, Dr. Ameglio uses the iFuse Implant System to stabilize the joint and limit the motion that causes pain. He performs the SI fusion procedure using a minimally invasive technique that allows for smaller incisions and faster healing. The implants are placed to secure the joint while encouraging bone growth for long-term stability. Dr. Ameglio will explain your specific plan and walk you through what to expect before and after surgery. After SI joint surgery, our surgical team will provide you with detailed recovery instructions. SI joint fusion recovery often includes restricted activity, physical therapy, and follow-up visits to monitor healing. These details will be discussed in full during your consultation.
What Are the Benefits of SI Joint Fusion?
This procedure at Ameglio Orthopedics can be life-changing for people with chronic SI joint dysfunction. Many of our patients feel relief after other treatments have failed and benefit from the following:
- Reduced lower back and pelvic pain
- Improved walking and standing endurance
- More stability when changing positions
- Minimally invasive technique with a small incision
- Shorter surgery time and less blood loss
- Faster return to normal activity compared to traditional fusion techniques
SI Joint Fusion Reviews
I posted a year ago and this is my update: I saw Dr. Ameglio for an SI joint fusion last year on the right side. I am a former patient of his who also had a successful surgery for an ankle tendon repair years ago. I was absolutely petrified to have an SI joint fusion surgery done. I was fearful of everything that could go "wrong". I asked a million questions. Dr. Ameglio was very compassionate and patient with me at every appointment- always taking time to address all of my concerns and questions. He was confident that this surgery would resolve my long-standing issues and pain on that side, but did note that I may require a bilateral SI fusion. I put my faith in him and his expertise. His quiet and calming demeaner was the exact approach I needed to help alleviate my fears. On the day of my first surgery, I was a wreck! I was hysterically crying in pre-op holding. He came to my side and sat with me and helped to put me at ease. He is so humble and kind, yet a knowledgeable surgeon. My surgical outcomes far exceeded my expectations and I could not be more thrilled! Fast forward a year- my right side is rock solid, without pain. However, my left side continued to be problematic. Having had such a successful experience on the right side, I really wanted my left to be as "solid". There were still things that I was unable to do (on my own). I am in my mid-50's, but my body was acting like someone in their 90's. At this point, I had moved out of Florida and tried to find a doctor close to where I live. I was traveling over 2 hours to surgeons who claim to do SI joint surgery, yet made statements that did not inspire confidence, treated me like a number, or where just derogatory- rolling their eyes at my situation. I decided to get on a plane and fly to see Dr. Ameglio. I am currently recovering from my left side SI joint fusion and am recovering even better that last time. I am already able to do things I have not been able to do in over a decade. Dr. Ameglio is not a typical surgeon that treats you like a number. He gives you undivided attention with respect and courtesy for you as an individual person. I feel confident recommending him for anyone needing an orthopedic surgeon- I say this as a patient and a clinician, being in healthcare myself for over 30 years. I am so grateful for his competent, kind, and compassionate care. He is truly gifted.
Dr Ameglio has done both of my hips in the past two years and has preformed a SI joint fusion for sciatica within the past 6 months. When I had my last hip done about a year ago I was continuing to have pain in the hip area. Dr. Ameglio diagnosed sciatica and did the SI fusion for me six months ago. What is interesting is a lot of patients present with hip pain after a hip replacement and it is sciatica rather than any problem with the new hip. He diagnosed me and did a fusion of my SI joint. I'm a 71 year old recently retired nurse. I've always been super active and now I can return to my rollerblading and aggressive activities that I have done in the past. Thank you Doctor Ameglio and staff for taking such good care of me and getting me back to my normal healthy lifestyle.
I had right SI joint fusion on June 12th, 2023. I had very good and positive experience. I recovered from surgery after 14 days and went back to work. Dr Ameglio and his stuff are wonderful and courteous. I highly recommend for SI Joint fusion. Thank You Anand Singh
My life has been changed!! I have suffered with SI Joint pain for over 25 years! Dr. Ameglio performed the iFuse SI Joint fusion surgery and I am pain free! Dr. Ameglio and his staff are all professional and caring! He sits and listens to you and you never feel rushed with him or his staff.
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A Life with Less Pain
At Ameglio Orthopedics, Dr. Ameglio combines precise surgical skills with personalized care, ensuring you receive tailored solutions for your needs. If you're ready to address SI joint fusion or explore sacral fusion, contact our Fort Myers, FL practice today. Schedule a consultation and let us help you move confidently toward a life with less pain.