Understanding SI Joint Pain and How Active Life is Bringing Relief with Minimally Invasive Fusion Surgery

At Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, we believe that no one should have to live with chronic lower back or pelvic pain without answers—or options. That’s why Dr. Lundquist is leading the way in providing cutting-edge solutions for patients suffering from sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.

Following a recent educational webinar hosted by Dr. Lundquist, many patients have begun to realize that their long-standing lower back or hip pain could actually be stemming from an often-overlooked source: the SI joint. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what was covered in the webinar, including an overview of SI joint pain, how it’s diagnosed, and how our team offers relief through a specialized minimally invasive surgical procedure using the TransLoc 3D™ SI Joint Fusion system—performed just steps away at Innovative Surgery Center.

What is the Sacroiliac (SI) Joint?

 Your SI joints sit at the base of your spine, where the sacrum (the triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of your spine) meets the ilium bones of your pelvis.

You have one on each side, and although they don’t move much, they play a vital role in absorbing shock and transferring force between the upper body and legs.  

When the SI joint moves too much (hypermobility) or too little (hypomobility), the result is pain, instability, and reduced mobility. This condition is called SI joint dysfunction, and it is more common than many people realize.

How Common is SI Joint Dysfunction?

Studies have shown that the SI joint contributes to 10–38% of chronic low back pain cases, and that number rises to over 40% in patients who have had previous lumbar fusion surgeries. The problem is that SI joint dysfunction can mimic other conditions like herniated discs, hip arthritis, or sciatica, making it hard to diagnose without a trained specialist.

Many of the patients Dr. Lundquist sees at Active Life come to us after seeing multiple providers without lasting relief. Once properly diagnosed, SI joint dysfunction is often very treatable—and that’s where our process begins.

Symptoms of SI Joint Pain

Dr. Lundquist explains that SI joint pain typically presents in the following ways:

• Pain in the lower back, buttock, groin, or upper thigh

• Discomfort during transitions (such as standing up, rolling over in bed, or climbing stairs)
• A feeling of leg instability 
• Stiffness in the pelvis or pain after prolonged sitting
• Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
• Pain often worsens when bearing weight on one side

Diagnosing SI Joint Dysfunction

At Active Life, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing SI joint dysfunction, including:

• A full review of your medical history
• Physical examination with SI joint-specific tests (e.g., Fortin Finger test, FABER, Gaenslen’s, and Thigh Thrust)
• Diagnostic imaging to rule out issues in the spine or hip
• Diagnostic injections—anesthetic injections into the SI joint to confirm it as the source of pain

If at least three provocative tests reproduce your symptoms and pain is relieved following diagnostic injections, it’s a strong indication that your SI joint is the culprit.

What Happens When Conservative Treatments Fail?

Before surgery is ever considered, Dr. Lundquist and the team explore non-surgical options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, regenerative injections (like PRP), and bracing. However, for patients who do not respond to conservative care, SI joint fusion may offer long-term relief.

That’s where the TransLoc 3D™ SI Joint Fusion System comes in.

A Look at the TransLoc 3D™ Procedure

 TransLoc 3D™ is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive SI joint fusion system that provides stability by inserting specially designed implants into the joint. These implants stop abnormal motion and allow the joint to heal naturally over time.

 The system is unique because it offers a modular, 3D-printed design that allows Dr. Lundquist to customize the procedure to your unique anatomy. The combination of posterior implants and lateral screws creates a strong, compressive hold while minimizing the risk to surrounding structures.

Most importantly, the procedure is done right next door at Innovative Surgery Center, located just on the other side of our building. This ensures seamless continuity of care, minimal stress on the patient, and a fast return to normal life.

Absolutely! Here’s Part 2 of the SI Joint Fusion blog post with all the line breaks removed between sections for clean pasting into your document or blog platform:

What to Expect Before, During, and After SI Joint Fusion at Active Life

If you and Dr. Lundquist determine that SI joint fusion is the right next step in your treatment, you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands—and that the entire process is streamlined for your safety and comfort. At Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, the SI joint fusion procedure is performed just steps away at Innovative Surgery Center, allowing for a smooth experience with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Preparing for Your Procedure
Before your scheduled procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Lundquist and our team to review your surgical plan, discuss any medications you’re taking, and receive personalized instructions. These may include:

• Temporarily stopping certain medications (like blood thinners)
• Arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward
• Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery
• Removing jewelry or piercings beforehand
  These simple steps help ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and that you recover without complications.

 The Day of Surgery

The SI joint fusion procedure using the TransLoc 3D™ system is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local numbing, depending on what Dr. Lundquist feels is best for you. The surgery itself is minimally invasive, meaning smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and a quicker recovery time than traditional open surgeries. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll spend a short time in recovery under medical supervision. Most patients are able to walk shortly after surgery once they’re cleared from anesthesia. Because the surgery is done at Innovative Surgery Center, which is attached to our clinic, you won’t need to travel far or deal with the stress of a hospital setting.  

Post-Operative Recovery: Healing with Confidence
Recovery from SI joint fusion is typically well tolerated and follows a gradual process. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect in the weeks after your procedure:

First Week:

• Rest and avoid unnecessary strain
• Short, light walking is encouraged as tolerated
• Pain and soreness at the surgical site are common
• You may be prescribed pain medications to help manage discomfort
• Avoid showers or getting the incision site wet until cleared

Weeks 2–6:

• Gradual return to daily activities (still avoiding lifting or twisting)
• Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can interfere with the natural healing process
• No lifting over 10 pounds
• Limit repetitive bending, squatting, or twisting movements

Weeks 6–12:

• Continued improvement in pain and mobility
• Begin more structured physical therapy if recommended
• Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping
• Smoking is strongly discouraged as it can delay or reverse healing

It’s important to remember that healing happens over time. The goal is to stabilize the joint and allow your body to form bone growth around the implant. Most patients report a steady reduction in pain and improvement in stability over 3 to 6 months, with full healing taking up to a year.

Is SI Joint Fusion Right for You?
If you’ve been struggling with chronic lower back, hip, or pelvic pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments, you may be a candidate for SI joint fusion. This is especially true if you:

• Have had a prior lumbar fusion
• Suffer from a history of falls, injuries, or post-partum pelvic issues
• Experience pain when transitioning between sitting and standing
• Feel instability or weakness in one leg
• Have responded temporarily to SI joint injections
  At Active Life, Dr. Lundquist uses a highly selective and evidence-based process to determine who will benefit most from this procedure. We only recommend SI joint fusion after thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, imaging, and history—and only if other treatment options have been exhausted.

Why Choose Dr. Lundquist and Active Life?
Patients choose Dr. Lundquist and our team for SI joint care because of:

• Experience and specialization in spine and joint dysfunction
• Advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the true source of pain
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques using the state-of-the-art TransLoc 3D™ system
• On-site surgical facility at Innovative Surgery Center—just steps from our clinic
• Compassionate, individualized care every step of the way
  We believe that no one should have to suffer in silence with misdiagnosed or mistreated back pain. Our mission is to empower our patients with answers and solutions—so they can live active, pain-free lives again.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If SI joint pain has been affecting your quality of life, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lundquist at Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center. Our team will evaluate your condition, discuss your options, and help you determine if SI joint fusion  is right for you. Convenient, compassionate, and cutting-edge care is just around the corner—literally.

Call us today or visit our website to book your appointment.