Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.

Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection Overview – What is Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection ?

Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.

This procedure is used to treat patients suffering from pain in their sacroiliac joint (SI joint). It is also used as a diagnostic tool in that it helps therapists locate the source of pain that may or may not be emanating from the SI joint.

The SI joints, which are in your lower back, connect your spine to the pelvis, and thus, the entire lower half of the skeleton. Although these joints are small and don’t move very much, they perform a critical role in the body. They help absorb all of the damaging shock forces of the upper body before balancing and transmitting their weight to the hips and legs. When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they may cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, abdomen, groin or legs.

Sacroiliac Joint Located

The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach for comfort and to arch the back. The physician uses touch and a fluoroscope to find the sacroiliac joint.

A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacroiliac joint.

Needle Inserted

The physician advances a needle through the anesthetized track and into the sacroiliac joint.

Steroids Injected

A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the sacroiliac joint, bathing the painful area in medication.

End of Procedure

The needle is removed, and a small bandage is used to cover the tiny surface wound