Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion Surgery
MIS SI Joint Fusion in Phoenix, AZ — Stabilize the SI Joint Through a Small Incision.
A minimally invasive, lateral SI joint fusion stabilizes a painful, unstable sacroiliac joint through a small incision. Performed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
This is the minimally invasive, lateral approach to sacroiliac joint fusion: small implants are placed across the SI joint through a small incision on the side, stabilizing a painful, unstable joint while sparing the surrounding muscle. It's the typical modern technique for SI fusion.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500The Minimally Invasive Lateral SI Fusion
Procedure Overview
This procedure is the minimally invasive technique used for a sacroiliac joint fusion: through a small incision on the side of the hip, under image guidance, implants are placed across the SI joint to stabilize it and allow the bone to fuse. The lateral, muscle-sparing approach is why modern SI fusion recovers faster than older open techniques.
Conditions We Treat
Am I a Candidate?
It's considered when SI joint pain has been confirmed by diagnostic SI joint injections and hasn't responded to therapy, injections, and radiofrequency ablation. Fusing a joint we've proven is the source is what makes results reliable.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Minimally invasive, small-incision approach; stabilizes a confirmed, unstable SI joint for lasting relief; spares surrounding muscle for a faster recovery; reserved for proven SI pain, so results are reliable.
Risks include soreness, infection, implant issues, and, uncommonly, nerve irritation or incomplete relief. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks in detail.
Expected Outcomes
For patients with a confirmed, unstable SI joint that hasn't responded to conservative care, minimally invasive SI fusion provides reliable, lasting relief. Because candidacy is established with diagnostic injections first, results are strong in well-selected patients. We set clear expectations.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
Under anesthesia, through a small lateral incision and with image guidance, one to three implants are placed across the sacroiliac joint. The joint is prepared so the bone fuses over time. Because the approach spares the surrounding muscle, recovery is quicker than an open fusion.
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Greenwald at an affiliated, accredited surgical facility — not in the clinic office — with a full surgical and anesthesia team.
Recovery & Return to Activity
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First 1–2 weeks | Usually home the same day or after one night. Weight-bearing is often limited at first with a walker or crutches; short walks as directed. |
| Weeks 2–6 | Weight-bearing and activity increase per your surgeon's plan; physical therapy typically begins. |
| Months 2–3 | Return to most normal activities as the fusion progresses. |
| Months 6–12 | The fusion solidifies and most patients reach full, lasting relief. |
The lateral, muscle-sparing approach makes recovery quicker than open SI fusion. Your weight-bearing plan and timeline are tailored to you.
Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost
Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.
Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area
Patients travel to Desert Spine and Pain from across Arizona for specialist spine care — because the right spine surgeon is worth the drive. We welcome patients from Phoenix and communities throughout the Valley and beyond:
…and surrounding Arizona communities. Out-of-network patients are welcome, and no referral is required — schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.
A rare dual credential — so the specialist who treats you can also perform surgery if it's ever needed.
Most patients get better without surgery. We only advance when your condition truly requires it.
No referral needed. We make it straightforward to see a top spine specialist, even out-of-network.
24/7 concierge response and close coordination with personal-injury attorneys.
Stabilize the SI joint, minimally invasively.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether minimally invasive SI fusion is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Minimally Invasive SI Fusion: Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from SI joint fusion?
It's the same goal — stabilizing the SI joint — performed with the modern minimally invasive, lateral technique through a small incision, which spares muscle and speeds recovery.
How do you confirm the SI joint is the problem?
With diagnostic SI joint injections. We fuse a joint only once we've proven it's the source, which is what makes the results reliable.
How long is recovery?
Weight-bearing is limited at first, with a gradual return over weeks to months as the fusion solidifies — quicker than an open fusion.
Will I try injections first?
Typically yes — therapy, SI injections, and often ablation come first. Fusion is reserved for a confirmed, unstable joint that hasn't responded.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you’re struggling with chronic lower back or pelvic pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments, Sacroiliac Fusion (SI Fusion) may be an effective solution. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will thoroughly evaluate your condition, explain your treatment options, and determine whether SI Fusion is right for you. Every step you take toward expert spine care brings you closer to relief, stability, and restored movement. Schedule your consultation today and discover how Dr. Greenwald can help you regain comfort and confidence in your daily life.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in minimally invasive SI joint fusion. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as sacroiliac degeneration, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, Dr. Greenwald relieves nerve compression and instability while protecting healthy tissue and preserving spinal stability. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.
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