Comparing the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Intra-articular Injection in Patients with Sacroiliac Joint Disorders: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Due to the complex anatomy of the sacroiliac joint, the success rate of accurate intra-articular injection is only 12 - 22%. Therefore, an imaging guidance tool is strongly recommended. To compare the safety and the short-term efficacy of US and FL-guided SIJ injections in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: Eligible participants received 40 mg of prednisolone plus Marcaine. The two groups were compared based on NRS at four measurement point times (T0-T3): Baseline, 15 min, 60 min, and 24 hours after the procedure. The number of punctures, the time of the procedure, and any adverse effects were also documented and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21 with a significant level of less than 0.05. Results: Seventy-six eligible cases were enrolled in the survey and randomly divided into ultrasound (US) and fluoroscopy (FL) groups. In both groups, NRS significantly decreased from baseline to 24 hours after the procedures (P = 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed. In four measurement point times, except for 60 minutes after the procedure, the NRS score was significantly lower in group FL. The number of punctures was not significantly different. However, comparing the two groups, the procedure time was considerably shorter in the US group (P = 0.001). None of our patients reported any adverse effects related to the procedures. Conclusions: The US and FL could be accepted as proper guidance tools, while the intervention time was shorter in the US group.