What is a sacroiliac joint?

A sacroiliac (SI) joint is a joint in the lower back that connects the bones of the spine and tailbone (sacrum) to the hip bones (iliac crests). The main function of the SI joint is to absorb shock between the upper body and pelvis and legs. Small movements at the joints help with shock absorption and forward/backward bending. The SI joint is fairly susceptible to lower back pain.
What is a sacroiliac joint injection?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is the injection of local anesthetics or corticosteroids into the SI joint to treat pain. The SI joint injection can be used as a treatment or as a diagnostic technique. SI joint pain can be caused due to the following conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Psoriasis
- Fracture
- Cancer
- Congenital deformities (deformity present from birth)
- Infection
- Pregnancy: A hormone called relaxin released excessively during pregnancy causes excess motion at the SI joint.
- Previous spinal surgery
- Ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints)
When should be a sacroiliac joint injection avoided?
You should avoid a sacroiliac (SI) joint injection if you have the following conditions:
- Bleeding disorder
- Infection at the planned site of injection
- Allergic to the contents of the injection
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Congestive heart failure
- Blood thinner use
- Cancerous tumors at the SI joint or the nearby areas
- Unable to remain still for the procedure
What to expect before the sacroiliac joint injection?
Some of the instructions that you need to follow before and on the day of injection are as follows:
- You should inform your doctor if you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) or heparin or any prescription medicines.
- You should refrain from alcohol, cigarette smoking, or recreational drugs before the procedure.
- You should stop taking anti-diabetic medications prior to the procedure.
- You should not consume solid foods or fluids on the night prior to the procedure.
How is a sacroiliac joint injection given?
The physician first injects a contrast at the lower back area. This helps to outline the joint, which can be viewed under a fluoroscope. Once the physician identifies the sacroiliac (SI) joint, a syringe filled with steroid and a local anesthetic is injected into the joint space. The solution should enter the space with minimal resistance. The physician may reposition the needle in case of any resistance. The ultrasonographic technique can enhance the accuracy of the SI joint injection.

QUESTION
Nearly everyone has low back pain at some time during their life. See AnswerWhat can I expect after a sacroiliac joint injection?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection improves pain immediately. You can expect pain and soreness at the injection site for a day or two after the surgery. The steroid medications may take two to three days to show its result. You may have temporary numbness or weakness in your legs caused by the anesthetic.
How long does it take for a sacroiliac joint injection to work?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection works almost immediately. There is an immediate improvement in pain. However, once the numbing effect of the anesthesia wears off, your pain might return.
What are the complications of a sacroiliac joint injection?
The complications of a sacroiliac (SI) joint injection include the following:
- Allergic reactions to the anesthetic agents
- Infection at the site of injection
- Increased blood sugar level
- An increase in pain
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
Latest Arthritis News
Daily Health News
Trending on MedicineNet
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/103399-technique#c2
https://www.umms.org/rehab/health-services/pain-management/treatments/sacroiliac-joint-injections#:~:text=A%20sacroiliac%20joint%20injection%20is,that%20may%20last%20several%20hours.
Top Sacroiliac Joint Injection Related Articles
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine. The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited. Treatment incorporates medications, physical therapy, and exercise.Ankylosing Spondylitis Quiz
What is ankylosing spondylitis? Take this quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this painful disorder.Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)? Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the spine. Learn diet and exercise tips for AS, and how to improve posture. See the diagnosis steps for AS, and find helpful treatments that relieve pain and stiffness.Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.Gout
Buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint causes gouty arthritis. Symptoms and signs include joint pain, swelling, heat, and redness, typically of a single joint. Gout may be treated with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medication.Gout Quiz
Learn what causes those painful crystals to form during a gout flare. Take the Gout Quiz to learn all about this painful arthritic condition.Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.Low Back Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis. Find out about pain relief treatments like massage, yoga, stretching, exercises for back pain, and chiropractic medicine. See when surgery for back pain makes sense.Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.Psoriatic Arthritis Picture
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis. See a picture of Psoriatic Arthritis and learn more about the health topic.Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. The 16 characteristic early RA signs and symptoms include the following.- Anemia
- Both sides of the body affected (symmetric)
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint deformity
- Joint pain
- Joint redness
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Joint tenderness
- Joint warmth
- Limping
- Loss of joint function
- Loss of joint range of motion
- Many joints affected (polyarthritis)
16 Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptoms and Signs
Early RA symptoms and signs vary differently from person to person. The most common body parts that are initially affected by RA include the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, and the knees and hip joints. Joint inflammation causes stiffness. Warmth, redness, and pain may vary in degree.RA Friendly Exercises
Regular exercise boosts fitness and helps reverse joint stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our experts offer helpful exercises to get you started.RA Slideshow
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Learn about treatment, diagnosis, and the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Discover rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes and the best medication for RA and JRA.RA Quiz
How is rheumatoid arthritis different from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and gout? Take the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Quiz to rest your RA IQ.Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis include fever, joint pain, chills, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint.What Causes Sacroiliitis and Is It Serious?
Sacroiliitis is a condition where the sacroiliac joint is inflamed. Learn what causes sacroiliitis, how sacroiliitis is diagnosed, and what is done to treat sacroiliitis.