SI Joint Injections

A Sacroiliac Joint Injection (SIJI) involves injecting an anti-inflammatory medication and an anesthetic into the joint capsule of the sacroiliac (SI) joint to alleviate pain in the lower back, buttock, or upper leg. The injection aims to improve spine motion and provide pain relief.

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection may be done by your healthcare provider to diagnose or treat pain potentially originating from the sacroiliac joint. This joint connects the base of the spine (sacrum) to the large pelvis bones (ilium). There are two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of the body, connecting the sacrum to each side of the pelvis. These joints act as shock absorbers, transmitting weight and forces between the upper body and the legs.

Some pain in the lower back, buttock, or hip may originate from the sacroiliac joints. A Sacroiliac Joint Injection is an effective way to determine if your pain stems from an issue in these joints and can also help alleviate pain from that area.

A Sacroiliac Joint Injection can be diagnostic or therapeutic. In a diagnostic injection, only a numbing agent is injected. If your pain diminishes, it indicates the sacroiliac joint as the source of your pain. A therapeutic injection includes both a numbing agent and a steroid to reduce inflammation in the joint, providing pain relief

Before undergoing a Sacroiliac Joint Injection, it’s important to discuss patient’s past health with healthcare provider. Inform them about any infections, fevers, or recent health issues. If the patient has diabetes or uses blood-thinning medications, ask if any special precautions are needed. Discuss all the medications with the healthcare provider, as they may need to stop certain medications before the injection. Also, mention allergies, past issues with contrast dyes or injections, or if the patient is breastfeeding, pregnant, or may be pregnant. The healthcare provider may advise what not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. Patients may receive medication to help them relax during the injection.

Procedure

During a sacroiliac joint injection, the patient will lie face down on an X-ray table, and sedation may be provided to help them relax. The patient’s skin around the lower back and buttocks will be cleaned, and the healthcare provider will use a local anesthetic to numb the skin, which may cause a brief burning or stinging sensation. Using X-ray guidance, the provider will insert a needle into the sacroiliac joint, which may cause some discomfort. A small amount of X-ray contrast dye will be injected to ensure the needle is correctly positioned in the joint. Then, the medication, which may include a local anesthetic to alleviate pain and a steroid to reduce inflammation, will be injected into the joint, possibly causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation. Finally, the needle will be removed, and a bandage will be applied.