Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

SI Joint Injections are minimally invasive procedures designed to relieve pain caused by inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis. The injection can be guided by fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound for precision.

What does a SI Joint Injection treat?

  • SI Joint Dysfunction

  • Lower Back or Hip Pain

  • Inflammatory Conditions

Procedure Steps

  1. Preparation: Local anesthetic numbs the area.

  2. Needle Placement: The needle is carefully guided to the SI joint using fluoroscopy or ultrasound.

  3. Contrast Dye Injection (Fluoroscopy Only): Dye confirms proper needle placement (not needed for ultrasound guidance)..

  4. Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours

Benefits of SI Joint Injections

  • Targeted Pain Relief: Addresses the root cause of SI joint pain.

  • Minimally Invasive: Avoids the need for surgery.

  • Quick Recovery: Patients can often resume normal activities within a day.

Preparation & Post-Care

  • Before: Stop certain medications as directed by your provider, fast for 3 hours, and arrange a driver if sedated.

  • After: Avoid vigorous activities and submerging the injection site for 24 hours. Relief is commonly reported within 7 days. Pain relief may take up to a week as the steroid starts working.

    • SI Joint Injection: Targets the sacroiliac joint to reduce inflammation and relieve lower back or hip pain caused by joint dysfunction.

    • Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI): Targets inflamed spinal nerves to relieve pain caused by nerve compression, such as sciatica or herniated discs.

  • The injection itself takes about 15-30 minutes.

  • Discontinue the following medications:

    • Lovenox (enoxaparin) 12-24 hours prior to procedure

    • Integrilin (eptifibatide) 1 day prior to procedure

    • Aggrastat (tirofiban) 1 day prior to procedure

    • Pletal (cilostazol) 2 days prior to procedure

    • Trental (pentoxifylline) 2 days prior to procedure

    • Eliquis (apixaban) 3 days prior to procedure

    • Savaysa (edoxaban) 3 days prior to procedure

    • Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 3 days prior to procedure

    • Pradaxa (dabigatran) 3 days prior to procedure

    • Arixtra (fondaparinux) 4 days prior to procedure

    • Aspirin 5 days prior to procedure

    • Warfarin (coumadin) 5 days prior to procedure

    • Reopro (abciximab) 5 days prior to procedure

    • Brilinta (ticagrelor) 5 days prior to procedure

    • Aggrenox (dipyridamole) 7 days prior to procedure

    • Plavix (clopidogrel) 7 days prior to procedure

    • Effient (prasugrel) 7 days prior to procedure

    • Ticlid (ticlopidine) 14 days prior to procedure

  • What should I do before the procedure?

    • Medication: Stop blood thinners and specific medications as directed by your provider.

    • Fasting: Avoid eating for 3 hours before the procedure; clear liquids are allowed up to 1 hour before.

    • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you’re allergic to latex, adhesives, anesthetics, steroids, or contrast dye.

    • Arrange Transport: If sedation is used, plan for someone to drive you home.

  • Avoid submerging the injection site in water for 24 hours and limit vigorous activities.

This video explains the steps of a SI Joint Injections.