SI Joint Injections
What is it?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection, or a sacroiliac joint block, is primarily used to either diagnose or treat pain over the superior part of the buttock that may radiate to one of both sides down the body. This pain is more prevalent in females, particularly those that have given birth, as childbirth can cause chronic pain in the pelvic joints. Chronic pain from the sacroiliac joint can result in one leg being weaker than the other, and can overtime cause changes in your gait (abnormal walking) from one leg being weaker or even shorter. Come see one of the physicians at Kansas Pain Management if this pain is worse when sitting, or starts interfering with your daily activities of living.
How does it work?
A diagnostic SI joint injection is used to confirm a suspected diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This is done by numbing the sacroiliac joint with local anesthetic. The injection is performed under a live X-ray guidance, or fluoroscopy, for accuracy. Once the needle has entered the sacroiliac joint, contrast dye is injected to ensure proper needle placement and spread of medication. The anti-inflammatory steroid medication is then injected into the joint.
What conditions can this treat?
- Chronic pain after childbirth/pregnancy
- Work related injury
- Trauma (fall, motor vehicle accident)
- Sports related injury
- Repetitive microtrauma
- Pain from prior hip or spine surgery