Sacroiliac joints (SI joints) are joints in the lower back region, where the sacrum and ilium bones join. Even though these joints are small and have limited motion, they have an important role in connecting your spine to the pelvic bone. They perform important functions of shock absorbing and weight bearing for the spine and upper portion of your body. Any inflammation or irritation in SI joints may cause pain in the lower back, abdomen, groin, buttocks, or legs. An SI joint steroid injection can be used to reduce pain and help locate the origin of pain.
How does a Sacroiliac Joint Injection work?
SI joint injections contain an anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication. As a diagnostic tool, SI joint injections help doctors determine if the SI joint is involved in the patient’s symptoms. For therapeutic uses, SI joint injections can reduce the inflammation and irritation that causes pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection Procedure
You will lie face down on the procedure table or CT scanner and the area where the needle is to be inserted near the SI joint is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic injection. Moderate sedation may be provided, though local anesthesia is often adequate. Then your doctor will advance the needle under imaging guidance. Once the needle is in the right position, the medication is injected.
What are the associated risks and complications?
With any procedure, risks such as bleeding or infection at the injection site can occur. Patients often experience relief from pain, though complete or partial relief of symptoms does not always occur. Additional risks of the procedure will be discussed by the performing radiologist and nursing staff prior to the procedure.
