Sacroiliac joint injections are used to diagnose and treat pain arising from the sacroiliac (SI) joints â the large joints connecting the base of the spine to the pelvis. Performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, this procedure delivers targeted medication into the joint to reduce inflammation and improve comfort.
The sacroiliac joints are located at the back of the pelvis, where the sacrum (the bottom part of the spine) meets the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints help transfer weight between the upper body and the legs and are essential for stable walking and standing.
When these joints become inflamed or irritated â due to arthritis, injury, or altered biomechanics â they can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or upper legs. During the procedure, your consultant uses fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) imaging to guide a fine needle into the sacroiliac joint space. Local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is injected to reduce inflammation and soothe the joint.
This treatment may be beneficial for:
This is an outpatient procedure, typically lasting 20â30 minutes. Youâll lie on your stomach while the injection site is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. Your consultant will use fluoroscopic imaging to guide the needle into the sacroiliac joint with high precision. Sedation is usually offered.
You may feel slight pressure or discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is usually well tolerated. Most patients return home the same day and are advised to rest briefly before gradually resuming normal activities.
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether they are possible to drive home from yourself, please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning on driving, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards. Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
