SACROILIAC JOINT STEROID INJECTION
WHAT IS A SACROILIAC JOINT STEROID INJECTION?
This injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by a sprain or arthritis of the sacroiliac joint. This joint is where the hip meets the spine. The injection allows the physician to determine diagnostically if the low back pain is originating from the sacroiliac joint(s). Also, it provides improvement of pain and inflammation from these joints if they where the pain is originating from.
STEP 1: The skin over the specific sacroiliac joint is numbed with local anesthetic.
STEP 2: A Fluoroscopic x-ray is used to guide the needle into the specific sacroiliac joint. Contrast dye is injected into the joint to confirm placement.
STEP 3: A combination of numbing anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid medication is delivered into the sacroiliac joint(s) through a thin needle. If the pain subsides after the injection, this is a strong indication the sacroiliac joint(s) injected were the source of pain.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTION
The pain may significantly improve immediately but once anesthetic wears off, pain may return. It usually takes 5-10 days for the steroid medication to reduce inflammation and improve pain. Effects may last from days to months.
Aftercare Instructions
The day of the procedure apply a cool pack to the injection site for 15 minutes every hour while awake. You can continue this until soreness resolves. Please remove the band-aids placed after the procedure within 2-3 hours after the procedure. You may restart therapy 3 days after the procedure.
Return to Work
You may return to work the following day.
Return to Clinic for Evaluation After
It is very important to follow up within 2-3 weeks for further evaluation following the procedure.