The therapeutic efficacy of sacroiliac joint blocks with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction without spondyloarthropathy.

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN:

Prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE:

The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) blocks with triamcinolone acetonide in patients with SIJ pain without spondyloarthropathy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:

Numerous studies have demonstrated that SIJ blocks with corticosteroid/anesthetic provide long-term pain relief in seronegative spondyloarthropathy. However, only one report on SIJ dysfunction patients without spondyloarthropathy shows promising results.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective observational study of patients at a University Spine Center from March 2005 to May 2006. The above mentioned SIJ blocks were performed in 150 patients, and dual SIJ blocks confirmed SIJ pain in 39 patients (26%).

RESULTS:

Twenty-six patients (66.7%) experienced significant pain reduction for more than 6 weeks; the overall mean duration of pain reduction in these responders was 36.8 +/- 9.9 weeks. SIJ blocks were ineffective in 13 patients (33.3%); the mean duration of pain reduction in these patients was 4.4 +/- 1.8 weeks. Univariate analysis revealed that treatment failure was significantly associated with a history of lumbar/lumbosacral fusion (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION:

SIJ blocks with triamcinolone acetonide are beneficial for some patients with SIJ pain without spondyloarthropathy. The SIJ blocks showed a long-lasting efficacy in two-thirds of the patients; however, the duration of its efficacy was shorter in patients with a history of lumbar/lumbosacral fusion. These findings suggest the need for further studies.

• Authors: Po-Chou Liliang, Kang Lu, Hui-Ching Weng, Cheng-Loong Liang, Yu-Duan Tsai, Han-Jung Chen
• Journal: Spine (Spine (Phila Pa 1976)) Vol. 34 Issue 9 Pg. 896-900 (Apr 20 2009) ISSN: 1528-1159 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19531998 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Triamcinolone Acetonide

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Arthralgia (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Injections, Intra-Articular
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Sacroiliac Joint (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Spondylarthropathies (pathology, physiopathology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• Triamcinolone Acetonide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)