Spine Center > Sacroiliac Joint Injection

What is a sacroiliac joint injection and how is it performed?
The sacroiliac facet joints are a small joint in the region of the low back and buttocks where the pelvis joins with the spine. If the joints become painful they may cause pain in the low back, buttocks, abdomen, groin or legs. The injection is performed with the patient lying on his or her abdomen. Prior to the injection, the area of the skin where the medication will be injected is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. With the use of fluoroscopy (live x-ray), the radiologist injects a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication into the sacroiliac joint.

Before the Procedure:
You must bring your most recent MRI, CT or additional films/CD with you. Our schedulers will prepare you will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the upcoming procedure. You will be asked to hold any blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, and any NSAIDS. Any insurance questions can be answered by your referring physician.

The Day of the Procedure:
We ask that you do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your arrival. We do not dispense or provide prescriptions for medications. You will need someone to drive you home. Patients without a driver will be rescheduled for another day.

Following registration, the a nurse will escort you to our dressing room where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Vitals signs will be taken, a pain assessment note evaluating your pain symptoms will be written, and questions regarding the procedure will be reviewed.

Once the procedure is completed you will be escorted back to the recovery area where once properly recoved you may get dressed. Discharge instructions will be provided by the nurse.

Following the injection, you may have temporary numbness or weakness of your extremities lasting up to 6 hours. Sometimes it may be difficult to walk due to a lack of sensation in your foot. As this subsides, some patients report increased discomfort. This can be related to irritation from the steroid and will resolve. You should begin to notice pain relief after 10-14 days. We cannot predict or guarantee how much pain relief you will receive. The expected success rate depends on your diagnosis.

How soon can I return to my normal activities following a sacroiliac joint injection?
Upon discharge, you will be asked to rest for 24 hours and refrain from driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.

Is a sacroiliac joint injection covered by insurance?
You should direct any insurance questions to your referring physician and/or insurance provider.