Sacroiliac Joint Interventions
Introduction
Sacroiliac joint pain (SI joint pain) is a common cause of lower back pain. The sacroiliac joint connects the lower spine to the pelvis, and pain in this area can result from various factors such as arthritis, degeneration, injury, or pregnancy.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections (SIJI)
- Clinical Indications: SI joint injections are used for both diagnosing and treating SI joint pain.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Provides pain relief by injecting a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroids directly into the joint.
- Medications Used: Local anesthetics and corticosteroids.
- Procedure Frequency: Can be repeated, but typically limited to a few times a year due to potential side effects.
- Duration of Effects: Pain relief can last from weeks to months.
- Patient Experience: Patients may experience temporary pain and soreness at the injection site.
- Procedure: Performed under imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
- Possible Side Effects: Pain at the injection site, temporary leg numbness or weakness, and a temporary increase in lower back pain.
SI Joint Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Clinical Indications: Used when pain persists despite other treatments.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Destroys the nerve fibers causing pain, providing longer-lasting relief.
- Medications Used: Local anesthetics and sometimes sedatives.
- Procedure Frequency: Can be repeated, but usually spaced out over several months.
- Duration of Effects: Pain relief can last from 6 months to 2 years.
- Patient Experience: Patients may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.
- Procedure: Uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy the problematic nerve fibers.
- Possible Side Effects: Temporary numbness, infection, and nerve damage.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
SI Joint Fusion
- Clinical Indications: Considered when other treatments have failed and the pain is severe.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Provides long-term pain relief by fusing the joint with metal hardware like a titanium implant.
- Medications Used: General anesthesia and postoperative pain medications.
- Procedure Frequency: Typically a one-time procedure.
- Duration of Effects: Permanent pain relief once the fusion is complete.
- Patient Experience: Usually same-day procedure but may require hospitalization and a recovery period.
- Procedure: Surgical fusion of the joint using metal hardware.
- Possible Side Effects: Infection, nerve damage, and complications related to surgery.
We are here to help you
At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing long-term relief for patients suffering from SI joint pain. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the process. We are here to support you on your journey to a pain-free life.