What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
The Sacroiliac Joint Injection is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid (“cortisone”) in the sacroiliac joint. This is a large joint at the bottom of your spine that connects the spine to your pelvis. It is at the center of your body and can become a source of pain.
What is the purpose of a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
The purpose of the injection is to reduce the inflammation and swelling of tissues in the joint space. This, in turn, should, reduce the pain of the joint. Your doctor is often trying to reduce your pain, but also trying to get a diagnostic impression of where your back pain is coming from. The local anesthetic portion of the injection allows for immediate/temporary relief of joint symptoms, and your exam after the procedure will be documented for an appropriate diagnosis.
The purpose of the steroid (“cortisone”) portion of the treatment is to give longer relief of your symptoms.
How long does the injection take?
You will be in the procedure suite for approximately an hour. The actual procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Will the injection hurt?
The procedure involves inserting a needle through the skin and deeper tissues (like a “flu shot”). There is some mild discomfort involved, Usually this is minimal compared to a patient’s preexisting pain. The skin and deeper tissues will be numbed with a local anesthetic to assist with any discomfort.
How is the injection performed?
It is done using X-ray guidance, with the patient lying on the stomach. The patient is often monitored with blood pressure and heart rate during the procedure. The skin is cleaned with a sterile technique prior to the injection being performed.
What should I expect after the injection?
Immediately after the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area. You will be examined for response to the local anesthetic. You may feel immediate relief from the procedure, but likely will have additional soreness over the next couple of days when the local anesthetic wears off.
The steroid in the procedure may begin to help within 1 to 2 weeks from the procedure.
When can I return to work?
Most patients return to work the same day.
What are the risks and side effects?
This procedure is very safely performed under X-ray guidance. However, anytime a needle is inserted there are always risks of bleeding, infection, and temporary numbness.
Side effects of the cortisone include increase in blood glucose level if a patient has diabetes, red facial flush, and/or water retention.
Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise
Summit’s spine care team is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for the comprehensive expertise of our patient-centered care. Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
More resources for you
- Visit our Spine Exercise Library for options to help ease neck and back pain
- See Summit’s treatment options for neck, back, and spine care
- Check out additional information on Summit’s approach to spine care
