SACRO-ILIAC JOINT INJECTION

The sacro-iliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis. This can sometimes become irritated leading to back and leg pain. The aim of the injection is to dampen down any inflammation. This is a diagnostic injection as well as a treatment. If your pain is relieved, then we know your pain is linked to the sacro-iliac joint.

During the procedure you will lie on your tummy. Under x-ray control and using local anaesthetic we will guide a needle into the saco-iliac joint. We then inject the joint with a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to perform and does cause some discomfort, but this should be controlled during the procedure.

Risks Of The Procedure

This is usually quite a safe procedure to perform.

What To Expect When You Go Home?

The injection can actually cause an increase in your back pain for 24 - 48 hours and it is worthwhile taking some painkillers for this time.

You need to understand that though it is quite a safe procedure it's unpredictable in its effect.

This means that some patients have very good pain relief from the procedure and the pain relief can be quite long lasting, up to 3 - 6 months. However, other patients don't have any relief of symptoms following the procedure. It is very important to tell the Doctor when you come in for injection if your symptoms have changed in any way.

If you are pregnant you need to let us know because we use x-rays during the procedure and these may prove harmful to your baby. If you are allergic to any medicines or drugs you need to tell us.

After the procedure you will be followed up in the out patient clinic. There we will decide on further treatments dependent on how you respond to this injection.

If you have any questions please ask one of the spinal team. We look forward to welcoming you to hospital for the procedure.