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Facet or Sacroiliac Joint Injections |
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What is a facet joint?
Facet joints are located on the back of the spine on each side where one vertebra slightly overlaps the adjacent vertebra. They guide and restrict movement of the spine.
What is a sacroiliac joint?
A sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is a joint space between the spine and the pelvis.
What is a facet/SI joint injection?
A facet/SI injection is a therapeutic procedure done to relieve or eliminate pain.
How long can the pain be relieved?
In some patients, a single injection will give permanent relief. Many patients require multiple injections, up to three for maximum effectiveness. Some patients receive no relief of symptoms from the steroid injection.
Why do facet/SI injections work?
There is an inflammatory component that can cause the pain in many patients with neck and back disorders. Steroids act by reducing the inflammation and subsequently easing the pain. In patients where the inflammatory process is not a major contributor to the source of pain, facet/SI joint injections have limited usefulness.
How is the procedure done?
You will be asked to lie on an x-ray table. Over the appropriate area, your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. A small needle will be placed into your facet/SI joint(s).
The location of the needle will be confirmed by injecting a small amount of x-ray contrast. The medicine will then be injected and the needle removed.
What are some of the side effects/complications of a facet/SI joint injection?
As with any procedure involving a needle, there is a small chance of infection or bleeding. Occasionally patients will describe pain at the injection site secondary to the needle placement.
How long does the test take?
The actual placement of the needle with injection of medication usually takes 5-15 minutes. If a patient has no immediate side effects, they are immediately discharged.
How do I prepare for the procedure? - Do not eat solid foods for 3 hours prior to the procedure.
What should I do after the examination? - Avoid strenuous activity.
Facet or Sacroiliac Injections are available at: Coon Rapids, Centennial Lakes and Maple Grove |
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