Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection

A sacroiliac joint steroid injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hipbone meet.  The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.

The patient lies face down.  A cushion is placed under the stomach for comfort and to arch the back.  The physician used touch and a fluoroscope to find the sacroiliac joint.  A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacroiliac joint.

The physician advances a needle through the anesthetized track and into the sacroiliac joint.  A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the sacroiliac joint, bathing the painful area in medication.  The needle is removed, and a small bandage is used to cover the tiny surface wound.