What are some common risks of SI joint fusion surgery?

Common risks of sacroiliac, or SI, joint fusion surgery include a negative reaction to anesthesia, infection, hemorrhaging, blood clots, and nerve, muscle or blood vessel damage, according to SI-Bone. Other risks include wound dehiscence, which is an opening of the wound, intra-pelvic structure injuries, bruising, swelling and radiation exposure.

Patients who undergo minimally invasive SI joint surgery recover quickly and typically leave the hospital within two days, notes Colorado Spine Center. A surgeon makes two incisions in the buttocks, each about 3/4 inches long, and then inserts joint-stabilizing implants. The majority of patients go back to work within six weeks after surgery.