Arthrodesis (Si Joint Fusion) in Dallas

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses the bones of a joint, effectively eliminating movement in that joint. This is done to ease pain, increase stability, or correct deformities, especially when other treatments have failed or are not suitable, such as in severe arthritis or joint damage.

Different Types of Si Joint Fusion

There are a few types of Si Joint fusions available:

Foot. Arthrodesis surgery in the foot corrects deformities and eases chronic pain.
Spine. Spinal si arthrodesis fusion joins vertebrae to stabilize the spine and ease nerve pressure.
Sacroiliac joints. SI joint fusion reduces lower back pain by fusing the sacroiliac joints.
Wrists. Wrist fusion eases pain from arthritis or injury by stabilizing the wrist bones.
Fingers and thumbs. Fusion of these joints reduces arthritis pain and improves function.

These procedures are forms of arthrodesis surgery that help patients regain mobility and reduce pain and discomfort.

Si joint Fusion Surgery Details

Here’s a step-by-step overview of a joint fusion surgery:

Anesthesia. The patient receives general or spinal anesthesia to provide comfort during the operation.
Incision. A small incision is made near the sacroiliac joint in the lower back.
Joint Preparation. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and prepares the joint surfaces for fusion.
Insertion of Implants. Special implants or bone grafts are placed into the joint space to promote bone growth.
Stabilization. These implants stabilize the joint, allowing the bones to fuse over time.
Closure. The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.
Recovery. Post-operative care includes pain management and physical therapy.

This procedure is similar to spinal arthrodesis, where parts of the spine are fused to reduce pain and improve stability.

What Does Arthrodesis Treat?

Arthrodesis procedure can help with:

Severe Arthritis. Joint fusion relieves pain from advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis by eliminating movement in the affected joint.
Joint Instability. Joint arthrodesis stabilizes joints that are prone to dislocation or have damaged ligaments.
Fractures. Joint fusion can fuse bones that have not healed properly after a fracture.
Deformities. It corrects deformities resulting from conditions like clubfoot or severe bunions.
Infections. Chronic joint infections that have damaged the cartilage may be treated with joint fusion.
Neuromuscular Disorders. Conditions that affect muscle control, leading to unstable joints, may benefit from joint arthrodesis.
Failed Joint Replacements. If a joint replacement fails or is not possible, arthrodesis procedure serves as an alternative to reduce pain.

How does for Si Joint Fusion work with other Treatments?

SI joint fusion can complement other treatments to effectively manage sacroiliac joint pain. Before opting for sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, patients often try conservative methods like physical therapy, medications, and injections to reduce pain and improve mobility. If these treatments provide limited relief, the sacroiliac joint fusion procedure becomes a viable option.

This surgery stabilizes the joint by fusing the sacrum and ilium bones, which can improve the effectiveness of ongoing therapies. Post-surgery, patients usually continue with physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and regain flexibility. Pain management strategies may also be adjusted to support recovery. By using joint fusion with other treatments, patients often experience better function and a better quality of life.

What Are the Benefits vs. Risks of an Arthrodesis Procedure?

Arthrodesis, or joint fusion surgery, is used to relieve pain and improve stability in damaged joints by fusing bones together. While this procedure can provide lasting pain relief and increased joint function, it also comes with potential risks such as reduced mobility and complications from surgery.

What are the Advantages of Arthrodesis?

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that helps patients with severe joint damage. The following are the main advantages of this method:

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Pain Relief. Arthrodesis surgery provides significant relief for individuals with severe joint pain or instability.

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Elimination of Painful Movement. The procedure permanently fuses the bones of a joint, eliminating painful movement.

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Long-Term Effectiveness. It offers lasting relief when other treatments have failed to alleviate the pain.

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Improved Stability. Arthrodesis improves joint stability, making daily activities easier and less uncomfortable.

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Correction of Deformities. It can correct deformities and enhance the alignment of the affected area.

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Enhanced Mobility and Quality of Life. In the case of sacroiliac joint fusion, the recovery process often leads to noticeable improvements in mobility and overall quality of life.

What are the long-term effects of si joint fusion

Many patients find relief after arthrodesis surgery, but it’s important to discuss potential long-term side effects with your healthcare provider.

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Adjacent Joint Stress. Fusing the SI joint can place additional stress on neighboring joints, such as the lower spine and hips, possibly leading to degeneration or pain in those areas over time.

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Persistent Pain. Some individuals may continue to experience pain despite the surgical fusion of the joint, due to nerve damage or other conditions.

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Reduced Mobility. Eliminating movement in the SI joint can lead to decreased flexibility and altered gait or posture, which might affect daily activities.

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Hardware Complications. The implants or hardware used during the surgery may loosen, break, or cause irritation, potentially requiring additional procedures.

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Infection. As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection at the surgical site, which could have long-term consequences if not properly addressed.

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Nerve Damage. Nerves near the SI joint may be affected during surgery, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

Choose Us for Arthrodesis Surgery in Dallas, TX

When considering arthrodesis surgery, choosing the right provider is the most important decision for an effective treatment. At Foundation Pain & Spine Pain Management Clinic in Dallas, TX, led by Dr. Thompson, we offer fully personalized care to help you regain mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Thompson brings years of experience and a genuine approach to each patient, so you receive the highest quality treatment.

Our pain management clinic offers personalized care plans that may include arthrodesis surgery and supportive treatments like a steroid injection to ease discomfort. By focusing on your individual needs, we aim to boost your quality of life and restore function.

Take the first step to a pain-free future with us! Contact Foundation Pain & Spine today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson and learn how we can help you on your way to recovery.

By choosing our clinic, you’ll receive the best and genuine care in a comfortable, professional environment. We focus on long-term relief, so that each patient’s treatment is as effective as it can be. Contact us and start your way toward pain relief and improved quality of life.

Our Insurance Partners

At Foundation Pain & Spine, Dr. Thompson and his team are here to help patients find relief from pain. Effective pain relief starts with a pain specialist and Dr. Thompson is here for you.

What Clients Say About Us

      
   Foundation Pain & Spine PLLC
   52 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tom 
 2024-07-09
 
 
  Started seeing Justin with level 8 pain for decades. Was told major back surgery was my only option to relieve it. I am not a surgicsl candidate due to fatal allergy to anesthesia. Dr. Thompson put in an intrathecal pain pump using alternate anesthesia. My pain levels now are 5-6! Major relief. I now can walk shoet distances and make my way through the grocery store. I am so grateful.  He is attentive and listens to the patient and includes them in treatments.  Clinic staff is excellent also. I am blessed to have been referred to him.  Incredible clinic.
  
 
       
   Trish Cross 
 2024-05-03
 
 
  Very caring, understanding and professional.
  
 
       
   Paul Terrell 
 2024-04-12
 
 
  Excellent physician who truly care for the well being of his patients. He has gone out of his way to accommodate my everchanging needs on more than one occasion. Navigating life after an injury that left me disabled has been more than challenging but I am confident I will get through it with Dr Thompson in my corner.
  
 
       
   Renee Cooper 
 2023-10-20
 
 
  Dr. Thompson is the first doctor to manage my pain, he's a great doctor that actually listens and evaluate your opinions. My case is complicated but he's been a great help.
  
 
       
   Skyler Karins 
 2022-05-19
 
 
  Two weeks ago I was helping a family lay sod grass and the next day I started to experience hip, leg, and foot pain. I was just taking over the counter pain relief for 2 weeks, but the pain just continued to get worse. I scheduled an appointment and Dr. Thompson was able to see me the same day. He did a great job of assessing my pain and doing a thorough exam on where my pain might be generating from. He prescribed me two pain medications that have me feeling back to my normal self. Words can’t describe the happiness I feel to be back to normal. Thank you Dr. Thompson for helping me get back to a better quality of life.
  
 
       
   KidFink 13 
 2022-05-01
 
 
  Most of the reviews you see may not be authentic. The first appointment he seemed to care and listen to my problems being a paraplegic and my surgery I had coming up needing a pain doctor to take over my post surgery pain medication. He mentioned a procedure to look into that he could do also gave me a lower dosage of what I had been taking for the past 2 years so I was in agony for 15 days I went through 2 or 3 appointments each with a gap of 15 days and did not raise my dosage and sent me to get an MRI. There were a lot of people there to get procedures done I didn’t think much of it at first until I went back to talk about why he gave me an MRI.  Told me that I’m a good candidate and we should move forward with the procedure that I did not agree on. I said I am not comfortable with it and told me, that I am not a good match for his care and I should find someone else. Reminded him that I need a pain management doctor for surgery. Post surgery the doctors at the hospital tried to contact his office multiple times multiple days with no answer. So they had to send in a prescription and released me. I had to get in contact with him to finally get a script. So if you are having surgery and or not comfortable with going through a procedure I would not recommend because that’s all he does is procedures and does not like to prescribe pain medication when it says in his description that he does. I have my own opinion on why he only wants to do procedures but that’s not here nor there. I am only writing this as a warning for other people in my position. Wish you well and my have a better experience than I do.
  
 
       
   Ashley Grissom 
 2022-04-06
 
 
  It is a great office it's just very hard to get in contact with anybody by making an appointment or calling!

Frequently Questions About Arthrodesis

What is Arthrodesis?

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more bones in a joint to eliminate movement and reduce pain, often used to treat joint pain and instability.

How Soon can I Drive After SI joint Fusion Surgery?

The timeline for resuming driving after SI joint fusion surgery varies based on your recovery progress and individual factors. Generally, patients are advised to wait until they can comfortably and safely operate a vehicle, usually around 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery.

How to Sit After SI joint Fusion?

After SI joint fusion, it’s important to sit with proper posture, using a chair with good support. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods and follow your surgeon’s recommendations to prevent strain on the surgical site.

What to Expect After SI joint Fusion?

After SI joint fusion, expect some pain and discomfort as you recover, along with a period of reduced mobility. You may need physical therapy and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and regain function.