Sacroiliac joint disorders are inflammation of the joint where the pelvis meets the sacrum in the back and can present with similar symptoms. There are paired joints that work to help load and transfer weight. SI joint disorders can occur from trauma, joint hypermobility or joint hypo-mobility, pregnancy, leg length discrepancy, inflammatory arthritis such as Ankylosing Spondylitis and less commonly infection or a tumor.
It is important to have a thorough history and physical exam, X-rays and further blood work may also be necessary. Diagnosis can be hard to make on physical exam alone. A sacroiliac joint injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroid performed with fluoroscopic guidance is the best way to diagnose and calm down inflammation. In addition, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy can be helpful.
