The sacroiliac joints are located adjacent to the spine, linking the sacrum (a large triangular bone at the spine’s base) to the hips. With one joint on each side, inflammation or dysfunction in these areas can be a source of pain. The Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection, sometimes termed as sacroiliac joint block, is designed to either identify the root of this pain or to provide therapeutic relief.

Why Opt for a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

• Diagnostic Purpose: This injection aids in affirming a diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Under the precision of fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), a needle is inserted into the SI joint. To ascertain accurate placement, contrast is injected, followed by a numbing agent. If a patient experiences a 75-80% reduction in pain following this procedure, it indicates SI joint dysfunction. A secondary diagnostic injection further confirms this diagnosis.
• Therapeutic Pain Alleviation: This injection aims at easing pain arising from sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It mirrors the diagnostic procedure but incorporates an anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) to diminish inflammation, providing pain relief.

Details of the Procedure

• Setting: The procedure is usually conducted in an operating room or a specialized procedure room.
• Duration: The entire process typically spans just a few minutes, with patients being discharged on the same day.
• Post-Procedure Care: Post-injection, patients undergo a 30-minute observation to ensure no immediate complications arise. Thereafter, pain levels are evaluated over two weeks, with a positive response being identified as a 75% reduction in pain from specific activities.

Recommendations Post-Injection:

• Hydrate adequately to flush out the dye from the body used during fluoroscopy.
• Limit strenuous activities, especially if sedation was provided.
• Adhere to provided guidelines on signs or symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Every medical procedure comes with inherent risks. For the Sacroiliac Joint Injection, these include:

• Potential allergic reactions to injected medications.
• Bruising or soreness at the injection area.
• Infection risks, either superficial at the injection site or deeper, possibly within the joint.

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection serves as an invaluable tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal against pain arising from sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It is essential for patients to be well-informed and communicate openly with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.

For further information or to book a consultation, please contact our office. Dr. BSV Raju and his team are dedicated to providing top-notch care tailored to individual patient needs.