Sacroiliac Joint Injections

A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection, also known as a sacroiliac joint block, is a procedure used for both the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain and sciatica symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. At Vyvo Spine and Pain Management, we specialize in providing effective solutions for sacroiliac joint-related pain.

Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joints are located adjacent to the spine, connecting the sacrum with the hips on both sides. These joints can be a source of pain when inflammation or dysfunction occurs. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can cause low back pain and discomfort. Our team is experienced in diagnosing and addressing sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Purpose of Sacroiliac Joint Injection

The primary purpose of a sacroiliac joint injection is twofold—to diagnose the source of a patient’s pain and provide therapeutic pain relief. Depending on the situation, the injection may serve a diagnostic or therapeutic purpose, or both, in a combined procedure.

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection Procedure

The sacroiliac joint injection procedure is typically performed in an operating room or dedicated procedure room. It is a quick procedure and most patients can go home the same day.

Here is an overview of the typical injection procedure:

• Patient Positioning: The patient lies face down on their stomach on the radiography table, with a pillow placed under the hips for comfort.
• Monitoring: The patient’s vital signs, such as pulse rate and blood pressure, are monitored throughout the procedure.
• Medication for Relaxation: Depending on the patient’s preference and physician’s recommendation, an intravenous line may be inserted to administer medication to help the patient relax.
• Skin Preparation: The skin overlying the sacroiliac joint injection site is cleansed using an iodine-based or alcohol-based antiseptic solution for sterility. Sterile gloves are used throughout the procedure.
• Local Anesthetic: To ensure patient comfort, the needle insertion site is typically numbed using local anesthetic.
• Needle Placement: Under fluoroscopy guidance, a needle is guided into the sacroiliac joint. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm accurate needle placement within the joint and to verify the spread of the solution.
• Medication Injection: Diagnostic and/or therapeutic medications are injected into the joint.

Two types of medications are commonly used:

• Local Anesthetic: A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, is injected to provide immediate pain relief. This helps confirm the sacroiliac joint as the source of the patient’s pain in a diagnostic sacroiliac joint injection.
• Corticosteroid: An anti-inflammatory medication, typically a corticosteroid, may be injected to reduce inflammation within the joint, providing longer-term pain relief that can last several months to a year.