Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection

This steroid injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis where the spine and hip bone meet, known as the sacroiliac joint. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint. For the procedure, you like face down and a cushion is placed under your abdomen for comfort and to help arch the back. The physician uses touch and a fluoroscope (a video x-ray) to find the sacroiliac joint.  A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacroiliac joint. The physician advances a needle through the anesthetized track and into the sacroiliac joint. A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the sacroiliac joint, bathing the painful area in medication. When the needle is removed, a small bandage is used to cover the tiny surface wound. You may begin to notice an improvement in your pain two to five days after the injection. Your PCA physician will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan.