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Image-Guided Intra-Articular Versus Periarticular Injection in Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sponsor: Assiut University
Summary
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain that can arise from within the joint itself or from the surrounding ligaments and supporting soft tissues. Image-guided injections using corticosteroids and local anesthetics are widely used to treat SIJ pain when physical therapy or medications fail. However, it remains uncertain whether administering the injection directly inside the joint space (intra-articular) or into the surrounding posterior ligaments (periarticular) provides greater early pain relief and functional recovery. The primary purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular versus periarticular injections in adult patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain. Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two fluoroscopy-guided procedures: * Intra-Articular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine delivered directly into the synovial space of the sacroiliac joint under fluoroscopic guidance, confirmed with radiographic contrast. * Periarticular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine deposited along the posterior sacroiliac ligament complex and outer capsule under fluoroscopic guidance. All participants are followed for 8 weeks after the procedure. Changes in pain intensity are tracked using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Physical function and daily activity impairment are measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Patient global improvement, side effects, and rescue pain medication consumption will also be monitored throughout the study period.
Official title: Image-Guided Intra-Articular Versus Periarticular Injection in Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Comparative Study of Early Pain Outcomes
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2026-10
Completion Date
2027-11
Last Updated
2026-09-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection
Under continuous C-arm fluoroscopic guidance (15-25° ipsilateral oblique view), a 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced into the synovial cavity of the lower third of the sacroiliac joint using a posteroanterior approach. Proper intra-articular needle position is verified by injecting 0.5-1 mL iohexol contrast medium to confirm an arthrogram pattern. A 3 mL injectate consisting of methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% (2 mL) is then administered.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 22-gauge spinal needle is directed toward the posterior capsular region and posterior sacroiliac ligament complex overlying the middle and upper thirds of the joint. Correct placement is confirmed via contrast injection showing spread along the posterior capsular surface without intra-articular entry. An injectate of up to 5 mL containing methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% is deposited in a fan-like distribution.