Ultrasound-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injection

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) connects the spine to the pelvis. When this joint becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause low back pain, hip pain, buttock pain, and pain that travels down the thigh.
An ultrasound-guided SI joint injection delivers anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the joint to reduce pain and improve mobility.

The procedure is minimally invasive, done on a day-care basis, and allows you to return home the same day.

What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?

You have two SI joints — one on each side of the lower spine.
They support body weight while standing, walking or sitting, and help absorb shock between the upper body and legs.

Inflammation or irritation of the SI joint can happen due to:

• Arthritis
• Trauma or injury
• Pregnancy or childbirth
• Spondyloarthropathy (inflammatory conditions)
• Prolonged wrong posture
• Leg length difference
• Degenerative changes
• After spine surgery (selected cases)

Pain is usually felt in the lower back, buttock region, and may mimic sciatica.

What Is an SI Joint Injection?

An SI joint injection places a small amount of steroid and local anesthetic into the joint space.

It helps by:

• Reducing joint inflammation
• Relieving pain in the low back and buttock
• Improving walking and posture
• Making physiotherapy easier
• Confirming whether the SI joint is the source of pain

Because the medicine is delivered at the exact point of inflammation, relief can be much faster and more effective.

Why Ultrasound Guidance?

The SI joint is deep and difficult to access accurately without imaging.
Ultrasound guidance allows the doctor to see the joint and needle position in real time, ensuring precise placement.

Benefits of ultrasound guidance:

• Accurate targeting of the SI joint space
• Avoids major blood vessels and nerves
• No radiation exposure
• Better results than blind injections
• More comfortable experience for the patient
• Helpful in patients with altered anatomy

Your center is the only dedicated orthopedic facility in Meerut offering advanced ultrasound-guided pain procedures.

Who Can Benefit From an SI Joint Injection?

This injection is helpful in:

• Sacroiliitis (SI joint inflammation)
• SI joint arthritis
• Post-traumatic SI joint pain
• Pain after lifting weight or wrong posture
• Pregnancy-related SI joint pain
• Inflammatory spine diseases
• Pain after spine surgery
• Pain radiating to buttock or thigh

It is usually recommended when:

• Pain lasts more than 4–6 weeks
• Medicines and physiotherapy are not enough
• Pain limits walking, sitting or sleeping
• MRI or clinical exam suggests SI joint involvement

How the Procedure Is Done

The procedure usually takes 15–20 minutes in the OPD / procedure room.

1. The area is examined to identify the painful side
2. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic
3. Ultrasound is used to locate the SI joint
4. A thin needle is guided into the joint space
5. Steroid + local anesthetic is injected
6. A small dressing is applied — no stitches

You can go home shortly after the procedure.

What Does the Patient Feel?

• Mild pressure during injection
• Temporary numbness in the area
• Possible immediate improvement from anesthetic
• Gradual pain relief over 5–7 days

Some patients experience significant improvement within the first week.

Benefits of SI Joint Injection

• Quick pain relief
• Minimally invasive
• OPD procedure — no hospital stay
• Helps confirm the source of pain
• Improves walking and sitting posture
• Allows faster return to activities
• Supports physiotherapy
• Can delay or avoid surgery in selected patients

Recovery After Injection

• Rest for the day of the procedure
• Avoid heavy lifting for 3–5 days
• Normal activity can be resumed gradually
• Start physiotherapy once pain reduces
• Do core strengthening exercises

Maximum relief is usually seen in 2–3 weeks.

Is It Safe?

When performed by a trained specialist with imaging guidance, SI joint injections are very safe.

Precautions are taken if you have:

• Diabetes
• Bleeding disorders
• Active infection
• Pregnancy
• Allergy to steroid or anesthetic

Your doctor will discuss individual risk factors before the procedure.

When to Consider an SI Joint Injection

You may benefit from the procedure if:

• Pain is located in the lower back or buttock
• Pain spreads to the thigh but not below the knee
• Pain increases on climbing stairs or standing from sitting
• Pressing the buttock area reproduces pain
• Pain improves temporarily with pressure or support
• MRI shows SI joint inflammation

The procedure is particularly useful when physical therapy is limited by pain.

Key Takeaway

Ultrasound-guided Sacroiliac Joint Injection is a safe, precise and effective treatment for SI joint-related low back pain.
By delivering medicine directly to the inflamed joint, it helps:

• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility
• Support rehabilitation
• Confirm diagnosis

— all without surgery or hospital admission.