Corticosteroid injections of the sacroiliac joints at MR-unit: preliminaryresults

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages of MR-guided injections of corticosteroids into the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in patients suffering from refractory sacroiliitis despite appropriate oral therapy. Materials and methods: At a low-field open MR, we performed twenty-four inf iltrations in 12 patients suffering from persistent buttock pain. Clinical follow-up and laboratory findings were evaluated every 4 up to 6 weeks. A s ubjective rating using a dolorimetry scale (0 = no pain, up to = 10 for mos t severe pain) was assessed prior to intervention and at three months follo w-up. Morphological changes of the SIJ were examined on a 1.5 Tesla imager before and three months after steroid injections. Results: Adequate positioning of the needle was obtained in all but one cas e due to a software defect. Clinical improvement was observed in 10 patient s with a mean painfree period of 9.6 months. Dolorimetry index decreased fr om 7.6 +/- 1.5 to 2.9 +/- 1.5. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs could b e discontinued in 4 patients and reduced in 4 others. Conclusion: We therefore conclude that MR-guided injection of the SIJ is fe asible and could be preferred to more conventional methods when technical e quipment is available.