Sacroiliac joint injection
A targeted injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid into the sacroiliac joint — the large joint between the base of the spine and the pelvis — to confirm the diagnosis and reduce pain.
Led by Dr Arul James (Consultant in Pain Medicine, GMC Specialist Register) at The Vesey, Sutton Coldfield. Self-pay and insurance accepted (BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix). Same-week appointments typical.
Who this procedure is for
- Buttock and lower-back pain that worsens with sitting, stair-climbing or transitions from sitting to standing.
- Pain localised to the posterior superior iliac spine area, often with referral to the thigh.
- Failure of 6–8 weeks of focused physiotherapy and analgesia.
- Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain that has persisted post-partum.
How the procedure is performed
Fluoroscopy or ultrasound-guided injection into the lower third of the joint, where the synovial portion is accessible. Contrast confirms correct intra-articular placement, then local anaesthetic and steroid are delivered. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes.
Before, during and after
- Before: light meal allowed. Bring a record of your usual pain pattern.
- During: prone position, awake, with local anaesthetic to the skin. Pressure is expected; sharp pain is not — tell us if you experience it.
- After: 30 minutes of monitored recovery, then home. Diagnostic relief from the local anaesthetic is immediate; therapeutic effect from the steroid develops over 3–10 days.
Recovery and aftercare
Restart light activity the same day. Avoid heavy lifting for 48 hours. Restart physiotherapy at 5–7 days — the injection is most effective when combined with a tailored pelvic-stability programme. Relief typically lasts 3–9 months.
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Risks and side effects
Common: temporary site soreness, mild flush, transient blood-sugar rise in diabetic patients. Uncommon: vasovagal reaction. Rare: infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, transient leg weakness if local anaesthetic spreads to nearby nerves.
When this procedure is not appropriate
Pregnancy, active infection over the injection site, uncontrolled bleeding disorder, allergy to contrast or steroid without a safe alternative.
Cost and pathway
Initial consultation £260. Image-guided SI joint injection from £750 including consent, image guidance, drugs, recovery and written report. If recurrent benefit is achieved, cooled radiofrequency denervation can be offered as a longer-lasting option.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with Dr Arul James
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View the full pain management pathway →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727