Sacroiliac Joint Ablation for SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint ablation is radiofrequency treatment of the small nerves that carry pain from the SI joint. If one-sided lower back or buttock pain has lasted, request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this SI joint fusion alternative is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Sacroiliac joint ablation for SI joint dysfunction
After a diagnostic block, radiofrequency energy calms the lateral branch nerves from the SI joint. It is one option among spine treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — not fusion, and not a promised result.
Not SI joint fusion
Not hardware. Tailbone sitting pain may need a ganglion impar block. Facet twisting pain may need medial branch ablation.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The SI joint
One-sided lower back pain and buttock pain from the SI joint
SI joint pain often sits in the buttock or one-sided lower back. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is confirmed with exam and, often, a diagnostic block — not from a single MRI phrase.
The branches
Lateral branch nerves at the SI joint
Using image guidance, radiofrequency energy calms the lateral branch nerves that carry pain from the sacroiliac joint. The visit is typically a short outpatient procedure.
Candidacy
A consult if you want SI joint treatment without fusion
People ask about SI joint ablation when conservative care has plateaued and they want an SI joint fusion alternative. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- One-sided lower back or buttock pain thought to come from the SI joint
- A diagnostic SI block that helped, when one is used
- Interest in radiofrequency instead of fusion
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every hip or lumbar MRI
Hip arthritis, stenosis walking pain, or tailbone sitting pain can point to a different tool.
Fever with back pain, new neurologic loss, or trauma with inability to walk needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your SI ablation visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. A block may be scheduled first. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient image-guided radiofrequency. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Relief can last many months. Timelines vary. No success rate is quoted here.
Afterward
Recovery after sacroiliac joint ablation
This is not fusion recovery. If SI ablation is not the match, options include conservative care, ganglion impar work, or surgical evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
SI joint ablation is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
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Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
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Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
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Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
SI ablation questions we hear at consult
What is sacroiliac joint ablation?
Image-guided radiofrequency of the nerves that carry SI joint pain, often after a diagnostic block. Results vary.
Can it help buttock pain from the SI joint?
That pattern is a common consult. Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Is it an SI joint fusion alternative?
For selected people it is discussed as a non-fusion option. Fusion is a different operation.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.