An image-guided injection into the joint between the sacrum and the pelvis — often the only way to confirm it is the culprit.
What it is
The sacroiliac joint cannot be reliably injected without imaging; blind injections miss the joint a large proportion of the time. Under fluoroscopy, contrast confirms the medication is actually inside the joint.
What we use it for
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Low back pain after a fall onto the buttock
- Persistent one-sided low back pain after lumbar fusion
What to expect
- You lie face down; the joint is entered under X-ray guidance.
- Takes about 15 minutes.
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic — the pattern of relief tells us a great deal.
- A driver is needed.
Risks
Every injection carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction, or a temporary increase in pain. Steroid can raise blood sugar for several days, which matters if you are diabetic. Serious complications are rare, and we will go through the specific risks for your procedure and your health before you consent to anything.
To discuss whether this is appropriate for you, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Why does it need imaging?
Landmark-guided sacroiliac injections miss the joint often enough that a negative result would be uninterpretable.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.