Sacroiliac Joint Injection

A SI joint injection is the injection of local anesthetic (like Novocain) and anti-inflammatory steroid (not muscle building) into and around the SI joint in your pelvis. The SI joint is actually not like any other joint. Other joints in your body are pivot points that allow movement. The SI joint is actually fused together by ligaments, and doesn’t move. A SI joint injection is performed if your doctor suspects that your pain may be originating from your SI joint and/or from the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the joint. The local anesthetic numbs the joint and also numbs and relaxes the muscles around the joint, which can result in sustained pain relief. If you achieve partial sustained relief following the first SI joint injection, then a series of injections may give you even a greater degree of sustained relief.

You will be taken to fluoroscopy (X-ray) and placed face down (prone). Your low back will be cleansed with an antiseptic and then numbed. The doctor will use fluoroscopy to help guide placement of the needle into the SI joint. The injection will then be performed using the local anesthetic and steroid. The procedure will take about 10-15 minutes. A Band-Aid will be placed at the injection site, and the nurse will monitor your blood pressure and pulse. The nurse will review your discharge instructions with you before you go home.