TREATMENT OVERVIEW
A Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat low back, buttock, and leg pain originating from the SI joint. This large joint connects your spine to your pelvis and can become a significant source of pain. The injection delivers medication directly into the joint to confirm it as the pain generator and provide powerful, targeted relief.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
To begin the procedure, you will be positioned lying face down on a procedure table. The skin over your lower back and buttock will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area for your comfort.
Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) guidance, your physician will carefully guide a thin needle into the sacroiliac joint. This real-time imaging is essential to ensure the needle is placed accurately within the small joint space for an effective and safe procedure.
Once the needle is perfectly positioned, a small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm that the medication will be delivered directly into the joint. Finally, a mixture of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid is injected. The anesthetic provides immediate diagnostic feedback, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation and provide long-term pain relief.
TREATMENT ADVANTAGES
SI joint injections are the gold standard for accurately diagnosing and treating pain originating from sacroiliac joint inflammation or dysfunction.
The immediate relief from the anesthetic is the most accurate way to confirm that the SI joint is the true source of your low back, buttock, or leg pain.
Delivers a potent corticosteroid directly into the inflamed joint, providing more focused and powerful relief than oral medications.
By alleviating pain and inflammation, the injection can make daily activities like walking, sitting for long periods, and climbing stairs much easier.
This safe, non-surgical treatment allows you to avoid the risks and significant recovery time associated with surgical procedures like SI joint fusion.
The window of pain relief allows you to engage more effectively in physical therapy aimed at strengthening and stabilizing your core and pelvic muscles.
The injection is performed in our office in less than 20 minutes, allowing you to return home the same day with minimal disruption to your schedule.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Sacroiliac joint injections are a very safe procedure with a low risk of complications. The most common side effects are temporary and localized to the injection site, typically resolving within a few days.
Important: To ensure the highest level of safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor with a complete medical history, including all allergies and current medications.
PREPARATION GUIDE
Proper preparation is key to a successful and smooth procedure. Please review the following important steps to ensure you are ready for your appointment.
Ensure you have a thorough review with Dr. Fura. Disclose all allergies, especially to medications like contrast dye.
Stop blood thinners and other specific medications as instructed by Dr. Fura before your procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Avoid jewelry and leave valuables at home for safekeeping.
RECOVERY GUIDE
Recovery is typically quick, but paying close attention to your symptoms afterward is crucial for determining the success of the injection and planning your next steps.
Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. You may apply ice to the injection site. It is critical to track your pain levels for the first 6-8 hours for diagnosis.
The numbing medicine will wear off, and your original pain may temporarily return. This is normal. You can gradually resume your usual light activities as tolerated.
The steroid's anti-inflammatory effect will begin to work, and you should notice a significant decrease in your SI joint pain. This therapeutic relief can last for months.
Your follow-up appointment is essential to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic results, which will guide your long-term treatment plan.
Please don't hesitate to reach out and request an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you, addressing your concerns, and working together to enhance your quality of life.