Diagnosing an SI joint issue can be difficult as providers must methodically rule out a host of other potential issues, says orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael Barnum of Northwestern Orthopaedics, who is experienced in back issues and who performs minimally invasive SI joint fusions. But identifying this issue and treating it with the minimally invasive fusion procedure can get patients back in action in as few as three weeks, he said.

Patients who have had lumbar fusions may have low back pain caused by the stress placed on the SI joint, and a fusion may relieve their pain and restore their mobility.