This study aims to investigate the combined use of corticosteroid injections and ESWT for SIJ pain.
The most common primary cause of pain and stiffness from the SIJ is sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Currently, conservative treatments for SIJ dysfunction-related pain include oral anti-inflammatory pain medications, exercise therapy, physical therapy, and local injection therapies such as corticosteroids, dextrose, and platelet-rich plasma. Although there are multiple non-surgical options available for SIJ pain management, clear treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Among these options, intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the SIJ are frequently used by rehabilitation specialists in clinical practice, and their effectiveness in relieving pain from SIJ dysfunction has been demonstrated. However, the effects of corticosteroids in treating musculoskeletal-related diseases are typically short-term. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become increasingly common in the management of musculoskeletal conditions such as calcific tendinitis, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis, showing long-lasting benefits and inducing tissue repair responses that studies suggest may last up to two years. However, literature on ESWT for lower back pain is limited, and research on its use for SIJ pain is even rarer. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the combined use of corticosteroid injections and ESWT for SIJ pain, aiming to achieve rapid, short-term pain relief through corticosteroid injections, followed by potential long-term effects through ESWT.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint corticosteroid injections (1 ml SHINCORT INJ 10 MG/ML + 1 ml 2% Xylocaine)
a three-week course of weekly extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions (intensity: low to moderate, adjusted based on patient tolerance; frequency: 5 Hz; 2000 shocks per session)
a three-week course of weekly extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions (intensity: minimum setting on the device; frequency: 5 Hz; 2000 shocks per session)
pain Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)
The visual analogue scale (VAS) is a scale used to determine the pain intensity experienced by individuals. "0" means painless and "10" means extremely painful.
Time frame: baseline, one week after treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment
Oswestry Disability Index, ODI
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the degree of functional impairment caused by low back pain. The index consists of 10 items, each with 6 options scored from 0 to 5, representing varying levels of disability. A score of 0 indicates no disability, while a score of 5 indicates severe disability. The scores for all items are summed to obtain a total score, with a maximum possible score of 50, which is then expressed as a percentage.
Time frame: baseline, one week after treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment
Quantitative scintigraphy of the sacroiliac joints
Quantitative scintigraphy of the sacroiliac joints is an imaging technique used to evaluate the sacroiliac joint, commonly employed to diagnose joint issues such as inflammation, joint lesions, or other pathological conditions causing pain. During the scanning process, a radiolabeled substance is typically injected into the body, which accumulates in areas of high bone activity, particularly those with inflammation or injury. This highlights metabolic activity or structural changes within the joint.
Time frame: baseline, 3 months post-treatment
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