To stabilize your sacroiliac (SI) joint and limit its movement, your doctor might suggest
surgery, which involves fusing the SI joint. The RialtoTM SI Fusion System is designed
to stabilize the joint and promote fusion.
This system includes cylindrical threaded devices that are placed to enhance fusion.
These devices come in various lengths to fit your anatomy, and your surgeon will decide
how many to use for your fusion.
SI joint fusion with the Rialto SI fusion system offers several benefits:
The Rialto SI Fusion System provides several advantages for sacroiliac joint fusion. It utilizes a minimally invasive approach, requiring only a small incision, which reduces trauma to surrounding tissues. The system allows for minimal disruption during device insertion, which can lead to faster recovery times and less postoperative pain. Additionally, the Rialto system enables the delivery of bone graft within the device, promoting fusion of the joint and providing long-term stability.
Like any surgery, there are risks involved. These can include complications from
anesthesia, blood clots, undiagnosed medical issues, and rare allergic reactions.
Specific risks of SI joint surgery include incomplete pain relief, nerve root damage,
infection, and hardware complications. While these complications are rare, they can be
treated if detected, sometimes requiring additional hospitalization, medications, or
surgery.
After the procedure, the incision is closed, and the patient is typically monitored in the hospital for a short period before being discharged. Recovery time can vary, but physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to aid in the healing process and to help regain strength and function.
During the procedure, your surgeon will perform the Rialto SI fusion while you are under
general anesthesia. They will make a small incision near your buttock, either to the left
or right of your spine, and place the cylindrical threaded devices packed with bone graft
to promote fusion.
The Rialto SI fusion system uses a posterior approach, entering from your back side,
which has advantages over the more common lateral approach. The posterior approach
offers easier access and is less invasive, disrupting fewer muscles. Dr. Capel has done
over 300 SI Joint Fusions placing more than 1000 implants using iFuse by SI Bone. Dr.
Capel states the reasons why he has adopted Rialto as his preferred technique over
iFuse:
“It is less invasive, with much less muscle intrusion; the implants are completely
embedded in bone unlike iFuse where the outside end of implant can be
prominent and irritate gluteal muscles for life.
Robotic assistance with the Mazor robot; this provides very accurate placement
of planned implant trajectories and positions to optimize fixation across joint. The
iFuse implant position is estimated based on repeat and multiple x-ray views in
the operating room with increased radiation exposure to the patient. The robotic
assistance dramatically reduces the risk of nerve compression from the implants
which could injure the nerve producing severe leg pain and require reoperation to
move implant.
The Rialto provides compression across joint that helps provides immediate
stability.”
My experience has been all positive. I have been seeing Dr. Capel for over a year. He recently performed SI joint fusion surgery and I am now pain free! He also saved my life in December, 2021 when I had a cerebellum stroke due to bleeding in my brain. He is very caring and professional. His nurse, Julie, is also very nice and does a great job. I highly recommend this place and Dr. Capel!.
