Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection
Rationale for Sacroiliac-Joint Steroid Injections
The purpose of a sacroiliac-joint steroid injection is twofold: to validate the diagnosis of sacroiliac-joint mediated pain and at the same time provide sustained pain relief. If the injection successfully alleviates the pain, it not only identifies the joint as the source of pain but also functions as a treatment. This injection combines corticosteroids and a local anesthetic administered directly into the sacroiliac joint to mitigate swelling and pain for potentially several months.
Comparable to other spinal interventions, sacroiliac-joint injections can be administered multiple times annually. These injections are best utilized when combined with a rehabilitative approach to address the underlying reasons for the pain.
The Sacroiliac-Joint-Steroid-Injection Procedure
The procedure is done with the assistance of live x-ray guidance to guarantee correct placement of the treatment medication. During the procedure the patient lies face down on the procedure table. The skin over the joint is cleansed with a sterilizing solution prior to numbing the skin with a local anesthetic. A tiny needle is then inserted through the numb area and precisely placed within the Sacroiliac joint. After confirmation of correct placement, the treatment medication is injected, the needle removed and a small bandage is placed over the injection site. The procedure from start to finish typically takes less than 10 minutes.
The patient is asked to monitor their symptoms for the first few hours after the procedure to assess the pain relief from the local anesthetic. The anti-inflammatory action of the corticosteroids can take up to a week to fully take effect.
Recovery from Sacroiliac-Joint Steroid Injections
Although mild tenderness and swelling at the injection site can arise, they are generally manageable with the application of ice. Normal activities can be resumed the following day.
Risks of Sacroiliac-Joint Steroid Injections
Like all procedures, sacroiliac-joint steroid injections come with some risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, and adverse reactions to medication. Corticosteroids in general can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels for diabetics and a temporary flushing sensation in a small subset of patients
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