What will my pre-op routine look like?

Your physician will provide you complete details, but generally patients must refrain from drinking or eating for at least 12 hours prior to surgery. Your physician may also ask you to pause taking certain medications prior to surgery. Any medication changes should not be made without first consulting your physician. As is the case with most surgical procedures, please be sure to secure transportation to and from the surgery center or hospital.  

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What happens during the procedure?

The minimally invasive PsiF procedure can be performed through a small incision in the back. As with most spinal procedures, patients are positioned lying on their chest. 

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The procedure is usually done with local anesthetic, which benefits patients with complex medical conditions who may need to avoid general anesthesia. After cleaning and numbing the surgical site, the surgeon makes a small incision to insert surgical tools that drill a small hole in the bone and guide the implant to the SI joint. The joint may require one or two implants to ensure stabilization.

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After the surgeon places the implant(s), the small incision is closed with stitches or staples.

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The entire procedure takes less than an hour. 

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What should I expect post-operation?

Because PsiF is a minimally invasive procedure, it’s usually done as an outpatient surgery. Patients generally leave the hospital or ambulatory surgery center the same day. While each case is different, most patients can resume full activity 12 weeks after surgery. 

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What do I need to know about post-operative care?

Your physician will provide information on walking safely, how to relieve any potential surgical pain and how to take care of the incision. Your doctor will likely tell you to avoid lifting objects weighing over 10 pounds. While recovery times may vary by patient, your physician will provide you with specific guidelines to ensure a successful recovery. 

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