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.

Doody,

I just wanted to mention something Franck alluded to. I am in pelvic floor physical therapy and I do have spinal issues going on with L4/L5/S1. I have had the sacroilliac injections, an ESI and eventually an RF. The RF helped moreso than anything. I only got about 1 week's worth of relief from the other.

I am completely amazed at how well the PT is working. But know it is specialized; there are not many therapists that do this. And all of this was based on recommendation from my Urogyn and spinal PM. Actually, it was recommended for minor prolapses as surgery was not warranted at this time.

It has helped tremendously with SI pain, piriformis, groin and hip pain as well as the sciatic type of pain I was having. I still have problems with the coccyx as it was fractured at some time in my life and is painful. But the more internal and external work she does, the better that is getting. And I didn't know it at the time but my left hip was in a locked forward position.

Anyway just a thought; I realize everyone has different issues. I am just saying it has helped me a great deal. It is not for everyone but it makes sense that if the pelvic floor is the stabilizer of the SI joint then perhaps this is why this is helping so much. Then again, I have had no surgery in the lower spine.

What is RF and ESI? Sorry, I'm not familiar with the abbreviations. Thanks in advance.

RF = Radiofrequency Ablation. In my case the doc ablated the medial branch neves that go across the facet joints. And the ablation worked wonderfully!

ESI = Epidural Steroid Injection. Didn't do anything for me since my issues are more with the facets, nerve roots and not any major herniations. Even though I do have a disc bulge at L4/L5. But for whatever the reason, no pain relief from that.