Sciatica Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sciatica, including details on treatment, prevention, medication.

Sciatica and the sacroiliac joint: a forgotten concept.

Buijs E, Visser L, Groen G

Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Gelre Hospital Apeldoorn, PO Box 9014, 7300DS Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. e.buijs@gelre.nl

The definition of sciatica is restricted to the pattern and localization of pain, although much emphasis is given to root compression as causative factor. Other sources of similar pain patterns are generally neglected. Despite absence of obligatory neurological signs in radicular syndromes, a number of patients are subjected to extensive, but redundant screenings. In this report, three patients are presented with presumed radicular pain syndromes, whose symptoms finally could be linked to the sacroiliac (SI) joint either via CT and MRI scans or via pain relief by intra-articular injection with local anaesthetics. Possible mechanisms of SI joint-related pain and difficulties in diagnostic specificity of signs and symptoms are discussed.

Published 15 October 2007 in Br J Anaesth, 99(5): 713-6.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Sciatica Research Today. All Rights Reserved.