Sacroiliac Joint Arthropathy
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008Pain that is localized to the low back, hips and buttocks is commonly caused by sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. SI joint pain commonly radiates to the outside of the thigh, but rarely past the knee. Stress applied to the joint on physician exam can suggest this as the source of pain, but is very non-specific. A targeted injection with local anesthetic under fluoroscopic (X-Ray) guidance is really the only way to diagnose SI joint pain. If the pain is relieved completely after injection, a definitive diagnosis can be made. The addition of a concentrated low dose of steroid to this injection can provide long-term pain relief. Other treatment of SI joint Arthropathy involves NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), local anesthetic patches (5% Lidocaine, but is off-label), and most importantly physical therapy. Physical therapy involves gait training (how you walk) and muscle strengthening. The results of Aquatherapy have been promising. Radiofrequency treatment of the nerves that supply the SI Joint has also shown some promise as a long-term tratment.
Rare causes of SI joint pain include trauma, infection and tumor involvement.
Tags: anti inflammatory drugs, aquatherapy, arthropathy, chronic low back pain, diagnostic test, Injection Therapy, leg pain, local anesthetic, low back pain, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, Pain Management, pain relief, radiofrequency ablation, Sacroiliac Joint, Sacroiliac Joint Pain