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SACROILIAC JOINT (SIJ) INJECTIONS

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections may provide relief for patients with low back and leg pain stemming from inflammation or irritation of the sacroiliac joints.  Patients receiving SIJ injections normally have not responded to other conservative treatment such as oral anti-inflammatory, rest, lumbar corsets or physical therapy.  SIJ injections can also provide the physician with diagnostic information. These injections can provide relief from pain for days or even years, or in some cases, permanently.

Injections typically will have a mixture of two medications. One is lidocaine which is an anesthetic similar to what your dentist may have used for dental work. The second medication is cortisone. Cortisone, naturally produced by the body, helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. The effects of lidocaine are immediate but may last only a few hours; the effects of cortisone may take 2-3 days or longer. The overall benefit of spinal injections may vary greatly from person to person and also with individuals repetitively over time.

Please note that injections do not reverse arthritis, or change anatomy.

Preparing For A SIJ Injection:

  • Do not eat a large breakfast.
  • If you are on routine medications for heart and blood pressure, you can take your medication as usual the morning of the facet clock with a sip of water.
  • Most SIJ injections are done in a series of three about every 2 weeks; however, in some cases these injections can be preformed sparingly.

How Long Will The SIJ Injection Take?

  • The SIJ injection procedure itself only takes about 10 minutes, however, you will need to plan for 1-2 hours from start to finish.

What Happens During a SIJ Injection?
At the time of your SIJ injection, you will be asked to:

  • Sign a consent form.
  • Put on a patient gown.
  • A nurse will check your vital signs, ask what medications you are currently taking, and ask you if you are allergic to any medications.

In the x-ray room, the technician will cleanse the area with an antiseptic solution and Dr. Suthar will provide local (numb the area). With the assistance of a C-arm fluoroscope, Dr. Suthar will direct needle(s) through the skin and into the SIJs. A mixture of anesthetic and cortisone is injected into the joints. After your SIJ injection, you will return to the recovery room for 30 minutes of observation.  During this time, the nurse will check your vital signs again.  It is important that you have someone drive you home afterward.  We recommend a “lazy day” for the remainder of the day.

A follow up appointment will be scheduled with your physician about 1 week following your SIJ injection to discuss the results.

Contact Us

13710 Olive Boulevard (Primary Office)
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Telephone: 314-469-PAIN (7246)

Fax: 314-469-7251
Exchange: 314-441-6965 (for after-hour Emergencies Only)

Hours:
Monday thru Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM