-
What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection is an injection of an anesthetic with a
long lasting steroid ("cortisone") in the Sacroiliac joint(s.)
The sacroiliac joints are located in the back where the lumbo sacral
spine joins the pelvis. They are paired (right and left) and are
surrounded by a joint capsule like the finger joints.
Back to Top
-
What is the purpose of it?
The steroid injected reduces the inflammation in the joint space. This
can reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation.
Back to Top
-
How long does the injection take?
The actual injection takes only a few minutes.
Back to Top
-
What is actually injected?
The injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetic (like Novocain)
and the steroid medication . Many times prior to injecting the medicine,
a small volume of contrast dye is used to confirm proper needle
placement.
Back to Top
-
How is the injection performed?
It is done with the patient lying on the stomach with fluoroscopic
(x-ray) guidance. The skin in the back is cleaned with antiseptic
solution and then the injection is carried out. After the injection, you
are placed on your back or on your side.
Back to Top
-
What should I expect after the injection?
Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone
or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will
last for a few hours. Your pain may return and you may have a sore back
or neck for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of
needle insertion as well as initial irritation form the steroid itself.
You should start noticing pain relief starting the 3rd to 5th day.
Back to Top
-
What should I do after the procedure?
We advise patients to take
it easy for the day of the procedure. You may want to apply ice to the
affected area. After the first day, you can perform activity as
tolerated.
Back to Top
-
Can I go to work to work the next day?
Yes. Unless there are complications, you should be able to return to
your work the next day. The most common thing you may feel is soreness
in the neck or back.
Back to Top
-
How long the effect of the medication lasts?
The immediate effect is usually from the local anesthetic injected. This
wears off in a few hours. The cortisone starts working in about 5 to 7
days and its effect can last for several days to many months.
Back to Top
-
How many injections do I need to have?
If the first injection does not relieve your symptoms in about a week to
two weeks, you may be recommended to have one more injection.
Back to Top
-
Can I have more than three injections?
In a six-month period, we generally do not perform more than three
injections. Giving more than three injections will increase the
likelihood of side effects from cortisone. Also, if three injections
with fluoroscopic guidance have not helped you much, it is very unlikely
that you will get any further benefit from additional injections.
Back to Top
-
Will the Sacroiliac Joint Injection help me?
It is very difficult to predict if the injection will help you or not.
Usually, patients who have recent onset of pain may respond better than
the ones with long standing, or chronic pain. Your physician chose this
procedure for you because he/she believes that the potential benefits of
an injection outweigh any potential risks.
Back to Top
-
What are the risks and side effects?
This procedure is safe when performed in a controlled setting (surgical
center sterile equipment, and the use of x-ray.) However, with any
procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of
complications. The most common side effect is discomfort - which is
temporary. The other risks involve, infection, bleeding, worsening of
symptoms. As with other types of injections, you should not have the
procedure if you are currently taking blood-thinning medicine (Coumadin.)
Side effects related to cortisone include: fluid retention, weight gain,
increased blood sugar (mainly in diabetics,) elevated blood pressure,
mood swings, irritability, insomnia, and suppression of body’s own
natural production of cortisone. Fortunately, the serious side effects
and complications are uncommon. You should discuss any specific concerns
with your physician.
Back to Top
