Fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid injection into the sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Purpose: Our goal was to prospectively study the therapeutic efficacy of CT-marking and fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid instillation of inflamed sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: A total of 22 fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid injections in the sacroiliac joints were performed in 17 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and severe low back pain. Needle puncture point, angle of intervention and distance of sacroiliac joint from the skin were determined by sacroiliac joint axial CT examination in prone position. 14 mg of betamethasone were instilled in each joint under fluoroscopy. Results: Twenty of 22 joints (90.9%) reported good improvement during a month after corticosteroid injection of the sacroiliac joint. The remaining 2 joints reported fair improvement. Conclusion: CT-marking and fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid instillation in the sacroiliac joints may be regarded as an effective therapy. This technique was useful, rapid and safe.