I'd check out the thread that Doody kindly linked to; it contains a lot of good info. I have messed up SI joints and I know the pain it causes.

If you do determine to have surgery, and if the docs are permitted (they can seek consent from prior patients): Ask those patients about how they were prior to and following surgery (and the time-span about which they are speaking).

I'd want to go into surgery with as much info. as I could possibly attain... and only go with a surgeon with a high rate of positive or successful outcomes. Because it is such a specialized surgery, one should be able to assess whether "success" (based on a median) could be likely.

Too, I would only see a surgeon whom does specialize in the surgery. A general surgeon or one whom sometimes performs the surgery would not be one I'd opt to entrust with my SI Joints and performing medical fusion. I'd want the best... for myself by someone whom truly knows what he or she is doing.

Another question I'd ask myself: Is it possible I will be better off with or without the surgey? If undetermined? I'd wait until I could resolve that answer within myself. I certainly would not want to be worse.