SACROILIAC JOINT STEROID INJECTION

Indications

This procedure is used to help with pain from the SI joint or hip area. The SI joint can become inflamed from arthritis of the joint, degeneration, injury or trauma to the area. The sciatic nerve that comes from the lumbar region and down the entire leg can also be affected as it comes close to the joint. This procedure is used to treat sacroiliitis, SI joint pain, lower lumbar pain, pelvic region or hip pain, and other painful conditions of the pelvic region.

What to expect

1. SI joint is Located – The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach for comfort and to arch the back. The physician uses touch and either a fluoroscope (x-ray) or an ultrasound probe to find the SI joint.

2. Anesthetic is Injected – A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all of the tissue down to the surface of the SI joint.

3. The needle is Inserted & Steroids are injected – The physician advances a needle through the anesthetized track and into the SI joint. A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the SI joint, bathing the painful area in medication. The needle is then removed, and a small bandage is placed over the injection site.