Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Computed Tomography
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780199908004.003.0039
Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is a common cause of low back pain. It is not easily diagnosed by physical examination, as the joint has limited mobility and referral patterns are not sufficiently delineated from other pathological conditions implicated in low back pain. The accuracy of provocative testing of the sacroiliac joint is controversial. Many physicians use injection of the SI joint with local anesthetic and/or steroid as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in treating SI joint–related pain. Historically, SI joint intra-articular injections have been performed without imaging guidance. Imaging-guided techniques, often using CT fluoroscopy, increase the precision of these procedures and help confirm needle placement while achieving better results and reduced complications rates. Sacroiliac joint injection is routinely performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is questioned regarding previous steroid use (oral, cutaneous, or injected) to avoid iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. Repeat injections can be administered depending on patient’s response.
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