Systemic sacroiliac joints are made up of the sacrum, an inverted triangle-shaped bone in your lower back, articulating on each side with the pelvic bones. They are located at the level of the small bony prominences that can be felt at the height of the buttocks. These joints are very important because they distribute the weight of the upper body to both legs. They are very strong and surrounded by several ligaments, but they are not immune to problems. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

The sacroiliac joints, or SI joints as they are less commonly known, are the two joints that connect the ilium of the pelvis to the sacrum of the pelvis. spinal column.

Located at the bottom of the spine, to the right and left of the sacrum, in depth, they designate the bridge that connects the spine to the leg bones.

Note that it is a synovial type joint that has a joint capsule containing fluid. It is initially well developed in children and then thickens and fibers over time.

Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joints are the true central pivot of the body and distribute the weight of the body between the top and bottom to support the spine.

The SI joints can make complex movements depending on the movement of the coccyx when carrying a load or bending forward.

The two SI joints are interdependent on each other and also depend on the pubic symphysis.

Definition: Sacroiliac Syndrome

• When we define sacroiliac syndrome, we are talking about acute or chronic, dull, deep pain, often on one side, directly at the joint.
• The onset of pain can also be sudden, but often it appears insidiously.
• 50 to 60% of chronic back pain, i.e. pain that lasts a long time, is linked to this joint.

What are the causes?

• Joint stiffness.
• Lack of movement, locked joint.
• Inflammation and/or stretching of the ligaments surrounding the joint.
• Inequality of the lower limbs.
• Hyperlodosis, i.e. an excessive arching of the back.
• A fall on the buttocks.
• A difficult childbirth.
• a lumbar sprain.
• excessive effort.

What are the treatments?

1. Make sure there is no bigger problem, some forms of arthritis can affect this joint.
2. X-rays may be necessary to rule out any underlying problems other than lack of mobility.

• Inflammation reduction using ice (20 minutes / 2 hours) and complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy
• Manipulations are the treatment of choice for this condition in order to restore full mobility to this joint.
• Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
• Kinesio Taping
• Flexion and stretching exercises for thighs, buttocks and back.
• Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the region
• Medication (anti-inflammatory) as needed
• Cortisone injections as needed
• In the case of an acute ligament sprain in this region, orthopedic support (lumbar belt) for a short period of time can be effective.

Prognosis

• Variable depending on the intensity, duration of establishment before the start of treatments and the number of previous episodes.
• On average, 6 to 8 weeks.

The clinical examination includes palpation as well as certain maneuvers and tests to evaluate the function of the joint:

• Maneuvering the tripod.
• Maneuver to spread/clasp the iliac wings.
• Gansen maneuver
• Assess for the absence of neurologic symptoms (numbness, loss of strength) to differentiate sacroiliac syndrome from lumbosacral disorders.

The practitioner should also check for systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue.

Be aware that an x-ray of the pelvis and sacroiliac joints is the first-line examination.

An MRI of the sacroiliac joints allows for early evaluation of infectious or inflammatory involvement.