Sacroiliac joint: pain referral maps upon applying a new injection/arthrography technique. Part I: Asymptomatic volunteers.
METHODS
Pain pattern mapping of the sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic volunteers was investigated. Prospective evaluation of 10 volunteers who received sacroiliac joint injections was performed. The injections consisted of contrast material followed by Xylocaine.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the pain referral pattern of the sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic individuals.


BACKGROUND
All 10 individuals experienced discomfort upon initial injection, with the most significant sensation felt directly around the injection site. Subsequent sensory examination revealed an area of hypesthesia running caudally from the posterior superior iliac spine.


METHODS
Volunteers were asked to describe the nature and location of the sensation upon sacroiliac injection. Sensory examination immediately followed the injection to determine referral patterns.


RESULTS
Sensory examination immediately after sacroiliac injection revealed an area of buttock hypesthesia extending approximately 10 cm caudally and 3 cm laterally from the posterior superior iliac spine. This area of hypesthesia corresponded to the area of maximal pain noted upon injection.


CONCLUSIONS
A pain referral map was successfully generated using provocative injections into the right sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic volunteers.
Fortin
J D
JD
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.
Dwyer
A P
AP
West
S
S
Pier
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007472:Iohexol; D008012:Lidocaine; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*
D007472:Iohexol; D008012:Lidocaine