Dr. Richard Kube is the first surgeon in the world to perform a true Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Fusion.

One in four patients with lower back pain have SI Joint dysfunction and Dr. Kube was interested in finding a solution that did not require invasive surgery. After months of tests, research and work on cadavers, Dr. Kube attempted the first minimally invasive approach to SI Joint fusion in May, 2011. Since then well over hundreds of patients from throughout the Midwest have sought out Dr. Kube to have the procedure. The results have shown partial if not complete relief of SI Joint pain.

The sacroiliac joint is between the pelvis and the spine, making it the link between the pelvis and the lowest part of the spine above the tailbone. This joint transfers weight and forces between your upper body and legs. Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical procedure in which the joint is fixed to its intended position and weight bearing function. This is accomplished by preparing the joint surface for a fusion using a bone graft and stabilizing the joint with two titanium screws while fusion heals.

You will need a complete physical exam to be sure you are in good health. A blood test, electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest X-ray need to be performed. Discuss all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements) you are taking with healthcare team. Some medications need to be continued or stopped the day of surgery.

Medications that thin the blood should be stopped prior to surgery. Your Internist or primary doctor should be consulted prior to changing or discontinuing any medications. Also, stop drinking alcohol 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery because these activities can cause bleeding problems. An important thing you can do to ensure the success of your surgery is to quit smoking. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine prevents bone growth and puts you at higher risk for a failed fusion.

Morning of surgery

  • Shower using antibacterial soap. Dress in freshly washed, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear flat-heeled shoes with closed backs.
  • If you have instructions to take regular medication the morning of surgery, do so with small sips of water.
  • Remove make-up, hairpins, contacts, body piercings, nail polish, etc.
  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home (including wedding bands).
  • Bring a list of medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements) with dosages and the times of day usually taken.
  • If you have a cold, fever or some other illness the day before surgery, please call your surgeons office.
  • Bring a list of allergies to medication or foods.

The sacroiliac joint is between the pelvis and the spine, making it the link between the pelvis and the lowest part of the spine above the tailbone. This joint transfers weight and forces between your upper body and legs. Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical procedure in which the joint is fixed to its intended position and weight bearing function. This is accomplished by preparing the joint surface for a fusion using a bone graft to accomplish the fusion and stabilizing the joint with two titanium screws while fusion heals.

After Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion surgery, patients are typically released from the hospital the day of surgery. Physical therapy begins 2 weeks after surgery, and patients are gradually mobilized. Patients are discharged to be at limited activity on oral pain medicine and will follow up with the surgeon in several weeks. The surgical dressing may be removed the following morning and the patient may begin to shower. Do not soak the wound until the incision is completely healed (no pools, saunas, tub baths, etc.). Patients can generally return to office work in four to six weeks, or longer if the patient’s occupation is heavier.

Activity level is usually increased as you progress through physical therapy and the fusion begins to heal (confirmed by routine X-rays at follow up). Typically, a patient is approaching Maximum improvement by the time 6-7 months are reached. Some patients require more time than others. Though you may be approaching your functional maximum by 6-7 months, it is important to note that it can take a year or more to for the bone to fuse completely.

DR. Kube is the first surgeon in the world to perform a true Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Fusion. He recently presented his six-month results from the initial eight patients to hundreds of spine surgeons at the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery’s annual conference. The results demonstrated significant SI joint relief for all 8 patients and most of the surgeries were completed at Dr. Kube’s surgical facility, Prairie SurgiCare, in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Kube now has over two years follow up on the initial patients and has since then operated on dozens of more patients, all achieving similar outcomes.

He first attempted the minimally invasive approach to SI Joint fusion in May, 2011. Since then hundreds of patients from throughout the Midwest have sought out Dr. Kube to have the procedure.