Sacroiliac Joint Injection
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about a sacroiliac joint injection?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is done to diagnose or treat pain from sacroiliac joint syndrome. The pain caused by this syndrome may be felt in your lower back, buttocks, groin, and your thigh.
How do I prepare for an SI injection?
Your healthcare provider will ask you to not take any pain medicine the day of the injection. Ask him or her if there are any other medicines you should not take. You will need to find someone to drive you home after your procedure.
What will happen during the SI injection?
You will be awake for your injection. You may be given calming medicine if you are anxious.
- You will lie on your stomach with a pillow under your abdomen. Your healthcare provider will give you an injection of medicine to numb the area. He or she may use an x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan to find the area to inject. You may also be given an injection of contrast material to help your SI joint show up better. Then, your healthcare provider will inject local anesthesia, antiinflammatory medicine, or both into your SI joint.
- Healthcare providers will watch you closely for any problems for up to 30 minutes after your injection. Your healthcare provider will check to see if your pain decreases after the injection.
What are the risks of an SI injection?
You may have some weakness for a short time after your injection. The SI injection can cause bleeding, infection, and pain. It can also cause temporary weakness in your leg and problems urinating. You may have an allergic reaction to the medicine that is injected into your SI joint. Your pain may return and you may need more treatment.
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Further information
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