This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica and herniated discs.
Sacral Hiatus Located
In this procedure, the patient lays face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach area for comfort and to arch the back. The physician uses a fluoroscope to find the small opening at the base of the sacrum called the sacral hiatus.
Anesthetic Injected
A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacral hiatus.
Epidural Inserted
The physician then guides a needle through the anesthetized track and into the epidural space. The needle is carefully inserted about one to two centimeters.
Contrast Dye Injected
Once inside the sacral hiatus space, a contrast or non-allogeneic iodine base solution is injected. This solution helps the physician see the diseased and painful areas using a fluoroscope.
Steroid Injected
A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the epidural space, bathing the painful area in medication.
End of Procedure
The needle is removed. The tiny surface wound is covered with a small bandage. In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the procedure as many as three times for the patient to feel the full benefit of the medication. However, many patients feel significant relief from only one or two injections.