Sacro-iliac joint injection/ Radiofrequency ablation MIPSI
Sacro-iliac joint injection/ Radiofrequency ablation MIPSI
MIPSI or Minimally invasive pain and spine interventions is a broad term which encompasses all the Non-invasive and minimally invasive interventions done by the interventional spine and pain physicians for myriad of conditions right from Musculo-skeletal disorders like back pain, neck pain, knee pain etc.
What are the Sacro-iliac joints?
Sacro-iliac joints are synovial joints formed between the Ilium and the Sacrum and are important components of pelvic girdle. They are present on both sides and connect the hip bones postero-laterally. The main function of this joint is to bear the weight of the axial skeleton and transfer it equally to the hip bones which is finally distributed to the femurs bilaterally.
What are the Indications of Sacro-iliac joint interventions?
Broadly these interventions are done for patients of Back pain. Specific indications are:
- Sacroiliitis
- Sacro-iliac joint arthropathy
- Sacro-iliac joint dysfunction
- Auto-immune conditions like Ankylosing spondylitis and Rheumatoid arthritis
How Sacro-iliac joint MIPSI helps relief pain?
Sacro-iliac joint injections:
This MIPSI intervention is targeted at injecting a very low dose of steroid into the joint space under the guidance of Fluoroscope machine. This brings about reduction in the inflammation of the joint reducing the pain and stiffness of the joint.
Sacro-iliac joint PRP injection:
This MIPSI intervention is targeted at injecting a small volume of Platelet rich plasma into the joint space under the guidance of Fluoroscope machine. This not only brings about reduction in the inflammation of the joint but also initiates the healing process inside the degenerated joints, reducing the pain and stiffness of the joint.
Radiofrequency ablation of lateral branches of Sacral nerves:
In cases of severely degenerated Sacro-iliac joints, only joint injections are not helpful. In these cases, Lateral branches of Sacral nerves which specifically supply the SI joints are targeted with the help of radiofrequency ablator, which bring about Wallerian degeneration in these nerves, thus blocking the pain signals and bringing about pain relief.
When will the medication begin to work?
Patient can start appreciating the effect of the medications 3-4 days post-procedure and maximal effect is achieved over a period of 3-4 weeks.
How many times this procedure has to be repeated?
Most patients need only one injection. In cases of severely degenerated joints, Radiofrequency ablation procedure may need to be repeated after 8-12 months which is the time required for regeneration of ablated nerves. Decision to repeat the procedure is taken by your doctor looking at your MRI and the relief percentage from previous procedure.
Will I require hospitalization for this procedure?
No. This is a Day care procedure. Patient is advised about the Pre-procedure precautions before- hand. On the day of the procedure, patient arrives 2 hours before the procedure and is discharged same day after 2 hours of monitoring.