SI Joint Injection
What is SI Joint Injection?
SI joint injection, also known as Sacroiliac Joint Injection, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is located in the lower back, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the large bone forming the upper part of the pelvis). This joint plays a crucial role in transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower extremities.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
SI joint injection is primarily used to relieve pain caused by inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. Some common conditions that may benefit from this procedure include:
Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, often resulting from conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders.
SI Joint Dysfunction: Occurs when the joint becomes misaligned or loses mobility, leading to pain and discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the legs.
SI Joint Arthritis: Osteoarthritis affecting the sacroiliac joint, causing pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips.
How is SI Joint Injection Administered?
SI joint injection is a safe and relatively straightforward procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Edward Rubin will guide you through the process, which usually involves the following steps:
Preparation: You will be positioned on an X-ray table, and the skin overlying the sacroiliac joint area will be cleaned and sterilized.
Local Anesthesia: To minimize discomfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the skin and tissues.
Needle Placement: Under fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging), Dr. Rubin will carefully guide a thin needle into the targeted SI joint.
Injection: A mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroids) will be injected into the joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Observation: After the injection, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications.
What Are the Risks?
SI joint injections are considered safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These risks may include:
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the medications used during the injection.
Infection: Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection at the injection site.
Nerve Damage: There is a small chance of nerve injury during the procedure, which can cause temporary or permanent issues.
Bleeding: In rare cases, there may be bleeding around the joint or within the joint.
However, it’s important to remember that these risks are minimal and that the potential benefits of SI joint injection in managing your pain may outweigh them significantly.
Anesthesia: SI joint injections can be done under local or sedation
If you are experiencing persistent lower back pain or suspect you may have SI joint-related issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dr. Edward Rubin is here to assist you. Don’t let pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Take the first step toward a pain-free future by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Edward Rubin today.