Review of Sacroiliac Joint Injection Techniques

The purpose of the review is to evaluate the current evidence on techniques for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections using landmark, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) guidance.

A literature search was performed to find all relevant retrospective, prospective, and randomized controlled (RCT) studies where SIJ injections were performed under ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and CT guidance.

A total of eight studies were identified with suitable data for inclusion. There were two RCTs, four prospective, and two retrospective studies included. Case reports or case series were excluded. A total of 420 patients were enrolled across all eight studies. CT guidance provided the most accurate needle placement in the SIJ injections followed by fluoroscopy, which was more accurate than ultrasound. Landmark-guided injections were not accurate. Accurate needle placement in SIJ confirms SIJ-mediated pain and injection of corticosteroids leads to improvement in pain and/or disability outcome measures regardless of guidance technique. Diagnostic CT-guided SIJ injections should be performed prior to consideration of SIJ fusion.