Viscosupplementation: A New Concept in the Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives We describe a new therapeutic modality for sacroiliac joint syndrome that represents an alternative to other treatment modalities. We report on four cases of sacroiliac joint syndrome with severe pain. Methods Three patients had undergone operative treatment of the lumbar spine and one patient suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the spine. All patients were diagnosed with sacroiliac joint syndrome by means of patient history, physical examination, and intra-articular local anesthetic injection preceded by sacroiliac arthrogram. All patients received three injections of Hylan GF 20 in the sacroiliac joints 2 weeks apart. Results Twelve to 16 weeks after the injections, the pain was reported to be 40–67% better when measured on the visual analog scale. The duration of the beneficial effect of Hylan on arthralgia and joint function was undetermined. Conclusions Viscosupplementation of the sacroiliac joint induced a significant degree of analgesia in all four patients. This treatment modality could represent an option in the management of sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction. Reg Anesth Pain Med 1999: 24: 84–88.