What Are Sacroiliac Joint Injections?

• In simple terms: Medication (usually steroid and anesthetic) is injected into the SI joint to calm inflammation and relieve pain.
  
  

• Scientifically: SI joint injections involve percutaneous placement of a spinal needle into the intra-articular space under fluoroscopy or CT guidance, followed by injection of corticosteroid and anesthetic to reduce nociceptive signaling and confirm pain origin.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Sacroiliac joint degeneration
  
  

• Pain after lumbar fusion (SI joint stress)
  
  

• Low back, hip, or buttock pain suspected to originate from the SI joint
  
  

• Diagnostic evaluation before Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
  
  

• Chronic pelvic or posterior hip pain
  
  

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with mild sedation if needed.
   
   

2. Needle placement: Small needle guided into SI joint using live X-ray.
   
   

3. Contrast dye: Confirms correct needle location inside the joint.
   
   

4. Medication injection: Steroid and anesthetic delivered into the joint.
   
   

5. Observation: Short recovery; patients usually go home same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Positioning: Patient prone; sterile prep and draping.
  
  

• Needle placement: 22–25G spinal needle advanced via posteroinferior approach under AP and oblique fluoroscopy.
  
  

• Contrast injection: Confirms intra-articular spread, not vascular uptake.
  
  

• Medication delivery: Corticosteroid + anesthetic injected in controlled volume.
  
  

• Closure: Needle withdrawn; bandage applied.
  
  

Benefits of SI Joint Injections

• Rapid relief of low back and pelvic pain
  
  

• Confirms if SI joint is the true pain source
  
  

• Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
  
  

• Helps patients avoid unnecessary surgery
  
  

• Provides diagnostic guidance before fusion consideration
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Temporary soreness at injection site
  
  

• Infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation (rare)
  
  

• Pain relief may be temporary (weeks to months)
  
  

• Not a cure for joint degeneration—may require repeat injections or SI fusion if pain persists
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Resume light activity same day; mild soreness possible
  
  

• Days 1–3: Relief begins as steroid effect builds
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Significant improvement in pain and function
  
  

• Months: Relief may last weeks to months; repeat injections possible if symptoms return
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Expert neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald ensures precise, image-guided placement for reliable results
  
  

• Diagnostic clarity: Injections confirm if the SI joint is the pain generator before surgery is considered
  
  

• Minimally invasive: Quick outpatient procedure with little downtime
  
  

• Comprehensive care: From injections to fusion if needed, all care is tailored to each patient
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my SI joint is the problem?

SI joint pain is suspected if pain is low in the back or buttock, worsens with standing or stairs, and multiple exam tests are positive. Injection confirms the diagnosis.

How long does relief last?

Relief may last weeks to months. Repeat injections may be recommended if pain recurs.

Are SI injections painful?

Most patients feel only mild pressure; discomfort is brief and well-tolerated.

Do SI joint injections replace surgery?

Sometimes. In many patients, injections provide lasting relief, but in severe degeneration, fusion may be necessary.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform SI injections differently?

We use fluoroscopy-guided, neurosurgical precision to ensure injections are safe, accurate, and effective.