If conservative treatments including cortisone injections into the sacroiliac joint do not provide long-term benefit, an alternative to address SI joint pain may be considered. This alternative procedure targets the sensory nerves on the posterior aspect of the sacrum responsible for the transmission of pain. Initially, a diagnostic injection of anesthetic is performed to temporarily block the sensory nerves after which the patient is advised to be mobile, returning to work or performing activities which typically cause the pain. If it is confirmed the SI joint pain is relieved from the block, the patient is deemed a candidate for radiofrequency ablation.
The radio frequency ablation (RFA) procedure uses radio waves locally transmitted through the soft tissue adjacent to the spine to stop sensory nerves associated with the joint from transmitting pain signals to the brain. Medium frequency alternating current is used to generate heat at the needle tip, carefully placed in a safe location to affect the SI joint sensory nerves without causing additional damage. Although not permanent, the results of the procedure allow for relief from facet joint pain for up to 12 months on average, at which time the procedure can be repeated for consistent and durable results.