North State Interventional Radiology

Sacroiliac Joint Injection is an injection of long lasting steroid (“cortisone”) into the Sacroiliac joints – which are located in the low back area. The injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetic (like lidocaine or bupivacaine) and the steroid medication (triamcinolone – Aristocort® or methylprednisolone – Depo-medrol®). The actual injection takes only a few minutes. The steroid injected reduces the inflammation and/or swelling of tissue in the joint space. This may in turn reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation / irritation of the joint and surrounding structures.  Click here for an informational video on Sacroiliac Joint Injections.

Arthritis
Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. A joint isan area of the body where two different bones meet.

Anesthetic
A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness. A local anesthetic causes loss of feeling in a part of the body. A general anesthetic puts the person to sleep.

Computed Tomography
An x-ray procedure that uses the help of a computer to produce a detailed picture of a cross section of the body. Also called a CT scan or CAT scan.

Fluoroscopy:
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-ray to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.

Herniated disc:
Rupturing of the soft, springy tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.

Intradiscal Electrothermal
The use of heat to modify the nerve fibers of a spinal disc by way of passing an electrical current through a catheter.

Spinal Stenosis:
Narrowing of the spaces in the spine, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as disks, in the spinal canal.

Steroid:
A general class of chemical substances that are structurally related to one another and share the same chemical skeleton.

Varicose vein:
A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. In severe cases, varicose veins can rupture, or open sores (varicose ulcers) can form on the skin.

Venous Access:
Access through a vein to perform a medical procedure.