What is it?
A procedure involving a diagnostic and therapeutic injection into the sacroiliac or other joint. Anti-inflammatory steroid medication and local anesthetic provide short or long-term pain relief.
How it’s performed?
Usually using a flouroscope for guidance, a needle is introduced into the correct portion of the sacroiliac or other joint. The position may be confirmed by injecting a small amount of contrast dye. The local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid is injected. Local injections into the ligaments may be helpful.
What patients are candidates?
Patients with pain caused by arthritis, injury, or strain of the sacroiliac joint or other joint are good candidates for the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
Recovery:
You may be monitored for a short period of time before you can leave and are expected to take it easy for the rest of the day of the injection. Most patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure.
Results:
The effects of sacroiliac or other joint injections may be temporary, providing relief from one week up to years, or in some cases permanently.