SACCROILIITIS

Cause

The sacroiliac joints are located in the area of the low back where the pelvis joins the spine. There are torsional (twisting) forces applied to the pelvic girdle when the lower limbs are moved. Often these joints can become "stuck," reducing the motion on one side versus the other, or they can become excessively lax, increasing the motion on one side versus the other. This abnormal motion results in sacroiliitis, the inflammation and pain of the sacroiliac joints and associated ligaments.

Sacroiliitis is very common, especially following pregnancy when hormones are released relax ligaments in preparation for childbirth. In most cases, the causes of sacroiliitis are mechanical, but there may be other medical inflammatory conditions present.

Treatment

Sacroiliac joint injections can diagnose and treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Performed in an operating room under sterile conditions and using X-rays for guidance, small needles are inserted into the sacroiliac joint. After proper placement is confirmed, local anesthetic solution and a small amount of steroid is injected.

Because iodinated contrast medium is used, please inform the doctor if you are allergic to iodine or shellfish.

If the pain is the result of sacroiliitis, relief will be immediate. Patients are examined in the recovery room and again two weeks later to assess the level and duration of pain relief. If it is adequate, the doctor will discuss various long-term treatment options.

72 hours prior to the procedure, please stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication (Motrin, Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, Celebrex, Naprosyn, naproxen, ketoprofen, Feldene, Indocin, Relafen, Mobic), and blood thinners (Coumadin, Aggrenox, Plavix, heparin, Lovenox).

This procedure can be slightly painful, so we will do everything to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to discuss any questions with the doctor before undergoing treatment. The doctor will also discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to this procedure with you.