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Does SI joint fusion help?

Posted by alexis7 @alexis7, Dec 15, 2025

I've been told I need my left SI joint fused. My pain doctor wants to do it but I think I'd rather have my neurosurgeon do it if I do it at all. The pain does seem to be getting worse and affecting my leg. What is the success rate? I already have an L4-5 fusion that failed and I now live with chronic L5 nerve damage. Thank you for any help.

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luamiller | @luamiller | Dec 16, 2025

I've had both my right and left SI joints fused by Dr. Cross at Mayo Rochester. I would say definitely it helped me tremendously. Keep in mind everyone is different, but it truly made a world of difference for me.

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alexis7 | @alexis7 | Dec 17, 2025
In reply to @luamiller "I've had both my right and left SI joints fused by Dr. Cross at Mayo Rochester...." + (show)
Profile picture for luamiller @luamiller

I've had both my right and left SI joints fused by Dr. Cross at Mayo Rochester. I would say definitely it helped me tremendously. Keep in mind everyone is different, but it truly made a world of difference for me.

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@luamiller
Thank you for your reply. Is Dr.Cross a neurosurgeon, orthopedic, or pain management doctor?

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luamiller | @luamiller | Dec 17, 2025
In reply to @alexis7 "@luamiller Thank you for your reply. Is Dr.Cross a neurosurgeon, orthopedic, or pain management doctor?" + (show)
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@luamiller
Thank you for your reply. Is Dr.Cross a neurosurgeon, orthopedic, or pain management doctor?

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@alexis7 He is an orthopedic trauma surgeon (I believe) who is based in the neurosurgery department. He has an emphasis on SI joint dysfunction and has done a great deal of research on this. He is an excellent surgeon.

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marialyce | @marialyce | Dec 17, 2025
In reply to @luamiller "I've had both my right and left SI joints fused by Dr. Cross at Mayo Rochester...." + (show)
Profile picture for luamiller @luamiller

I've had both my right and left SI joints fused by Dr. Cross at Mayo Rochester. I would say definitely it helped me tremendously. Keep in mind everyone is different, but it truly made a world of difference for me.

Jump to this post

@luamiller what were your symptoms prior to surgery

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cori | @ccchang | Dec 21, 2025

Hi. Who was your doctor and which hospital?

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