Sacroiliac Joint Injections

What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

A sacroiliac joint injection is a procedure that helps to relieve back and buttock pain, due to inflammation in the joint. The sacroiliac joint is in the buttocks area where the lumbosacral spine joins the pelvis. There is one joint on each side and these can cause pain in the back or buttocks if the joint is inflamed.

How does it work?

Corticosteroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medicine that can reduce the inflammation in the joint. The corticosteroid is injected, along with a local anesthetic medicine (like novacaine) to provide immediate joint numbing and pain relief.

How is it done?

A needle is directed into the sacroiliac joint under X-ray guidance. Moderate sedation and/or a local anesthetic may be used to ensure our patient's comfort. A small amount of X-ray dye is injected to confirm that the needle is in the joint. Then a mixture of steroids and local anesthetic is injected. This feels like a pressure or “fullness” over the area that is being injected. The needle is then removed and the patient is taken to the recovery area.

What are the risks of the procedure?

As with any invasive procedure there are some associated risks and complications. Any time a needle is put into the body, there is a risk of infection, bleeding and allergic reaction. The risk of infection is prevented by using sterile techniques. The risk of bleeding is very minimal if you are not on any blood thinners. There are very few allergic reactions to the medications that are used for the injection. If any allergic reactions are identified, medications will be given and you will be observed to prevent any serious complications. Steroids may have several side effects, but are limited due to the small amount of medication used in the procedure.

What can I expect the day of the injection?

Patients must not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the injection. All anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, NSAIDS) must be stopped for 3 days prior to the injection. If you are on any blood thinners (aspirin, coumadin, warfarin, heparin, plavix, aggrenox, lovenox), the physician or nurse must be notified prior to the injection. Please alert the physician or nurse if you have any allergies to X-ray dye. Please bring any films, X-rays, MRI scans or CT-scans with you on the day of the injection. All patients must have someone to drive them home.

What can I expect afterwards?

Most patients get immediate relief of some of their pain. The pain usually returns in about 4-5 hours, as the local anesthetic will wear off. The soreness and pain should improve in about 2-3 days as the steroids start to decrease the inflammation. Most patients go home about 20-30 minutes after their injection. Patients are advised to rest on the day of the injection, but may return to their normal activities the next day. Patients should make a follow-up appointment for 7-10 days after the injection.