CT-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Benefits and Risks
CT-guided sacroiliac joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, typically caused by inflammation or injury.
1. Diagnosis and Pain Relief: These injections involve injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the sacroiliac joint. Pain relief confirms the joint as the pain source, while steroids reduce inflammation and provide lasting relief.
2. Benefits:
- Precision: CT guidance ensures accurate needle placement for optimal results.
- Minimally invasive: The procedure avoids surgical risks and requires less recovery time.
- Improved function: Pain relief enables patients to participate in physical therapy and resume daily activities.
3. Risks: Although generally safe, sacroiliac joint injections have potential risks, including:
- Temporary leg numbness / weakness for spread of the local anaesthetic
- Infection or bleeding at the injection site
- Temporary increased pain
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Nerve damage (rare)
Conclusion: CT-guided sacroiliac joint injections offer valuable diagnostic and therapeutic benefits for pain relief and improved function.
