Sacroiliac Joint PainNCT07832864
Image-Guided Intra-Articular Versus Periarticular Injection in Sacroiliac Joint Pain
A study testing Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection and Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection in people with Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, run by Assiut University.
Trial summary
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain that can arise from within the joint itself or from the surrounding ligaments and supporting soft tissues. Image-guided injections using corticosteroids and local anesthetics are widely used to treat SIJ pain when physical therapy or medications… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection and Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Oct 2026to Nov 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adult patients aged 18 to 70 years
- Clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain confirmed by at least 3 positive provocation tests out of 5 (FABER, Gaenslen's, thigh thrust, compression, or distraction tests)
- Chronic SIJ pain with a symptom duration of at least 3 months
- Pain intensity score of at least 4 out of 10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS ≥ 4/10) at enrollment
- Failure of conservative management (physiotherapy and/or NSAIDs for at least 6 weeks)
- Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Known coagulopathy or current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely bridged
- Active local infection at the injection site or systemic infection
- Known hypersensitivity or allergy to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or contrast media
- History of prior SIJ surgery or joint fusion
- Previous sacroiliac joint injection within the last 3 months
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Show all 9Show fewer
- Severe spinal or pelvic deformity preventing safe and accurate needle placement
- Significant cognitive impairment precluding informed consent or reliable outcome reporting
- Active malignancy involving the pelvis or sacrum
About this study
Official title: Image-Guided Intra-Articular Versus Periarticular Injection in Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Comparative Study of Early Pain Outcomes
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain that can arise from within the joint itself or from the surrounding ligaments and supporting soft tissues. Image-guided injections using corticosteroids and local anesthetics are widely used to treat SIJ pain when physical therapy or medications fail. However, it remains uncertain whether administering the injection directly inside the joint space (intra-articular) or into the surrounding posterior ligaments (periarticular) provides greater early pain relief and functional recovery.
The primary purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular versus periarticular injections in adult patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain.
Read more
Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two fluoroscopy-guided procedures:
- Intra-Articular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine delivered directly into the synovial space of the sacroiliac joint under fluoroscopic guidance, confirmed with radiographic contrast.
- Periarticular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine deposited along the posterior sacroiliac ligament complex and outer capsule under fluoroscopic guidance.
All participants are followed for 8 weeks after the procedure. Changes in pain intensity are tracked using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Physical function and daily activity impairment are measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Patient global improvement, side effects, and rescue pain medication consumption will also be monitored throughout the study period.
- Being tested
- Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection, Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection
- Keywords
- Intra-articular injection, Periarticular injection, Fluoroscopy guidance, Methylprednisolone, Bupivacaine, Oswestry Disability Index
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ InjectionProcedure or surgery
Under continuous C-arm fluoroscopic guidance (15-25° ipsilateral oblique view), a 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced into the synovial cavity of the lower third of the sacroiliac joint using a posteroanterior approach. Proper intra-articular needle position is verified by injecting 0.5-1 mL iohexol contrast medium to confirm an arthrogram pattern. A 3 mL injectate consisting of methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% (2 mL) is then administered.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ InjectionProcedure or surgery
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 22-gauge spinal needle is directed toward the posterior capsular region and posterior sacroiliac ligament complex overlying the middle and upper thirds of the joint. Correct placement is confirmed via contrast injection showing spread along the posterior capsular surface without intra-articular entry. An injectate of up to 5 mL containing methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% is deposited in a fan-like distribution.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-Articular Sacroiliac Joint Injection | Active comparator | Participants receive a fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular injection into the lower third of the sacroiliac joint. A 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced under C-arm fluoroscopy (15-25° ipsilateral oblique view). Needle placement is confirmed with 0.5-1 mL iohexol contrast medium demonstrating an intra-articular arthrogram. Patients receive 3 mL total injectate containing 40 mg (1 mL) methylprednisolone acetate and 2 mL bupivacaine 0.25%. Receives: Procedure: Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection |
| Periarticular Sacroiliac Joint Injection | Experimental | Participants receive a fluoroscopy-guided periarticular injection targeting the posterior sacroiliac ligament complex and posterior capsular tissues overlying the middle and upper thirds of the joint. Needle position is confirmed with contrast showing spread along the posterior capsule without intra-articular filling. Patients receive up to 5 mL total injectate containing 40 mg (1 mL) methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine 0.25% in a fan-like distribution. Receives: Procedure: Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in Pain Intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 4 Weeks
Pain intensity is assessed using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), where scores range from 0 to 10 (0 = "no pain", 10 = "worst imaginable pain"). This measure evaluates the change in pain score from baseline to 4 weeks post-procedure. A greater reduction or lower score indicates greater pain relief.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks post-injection
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Sep 2026
- Study startOct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionOct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionNov 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sacroiliac Joint PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Assiut UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mariam Bassem Shokry Saad, Assiut University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07832864
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IA vs PA Sacroiliac Injection
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Image-Guided Intra-Articular Versus Periarticular Injection in Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Comparative Study of Early Pain Outcomes
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07832864
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IA vs PA Sacroiliac Injection
- Keywords
- Intra-articular injection, Periarticular injection, Fluoroscopy guidance, Methylprednisolone, Bupivacaine, Oswestry Disability Index
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Nov 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain that can arise from within the joint itself or from the surrounding ligaments and supporting soft tissues. Image-guided injections using corticosteroids and local anesthetics are widely used to treat SIJ pain when physical therapy or medications fail. However, it remains uncertain whether administering the injection directly inside the joint space (intra-articular) or into the surrounding posterior ligaments (periarticular) provides greater early pain relief and functional recovery.
The primary purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular versus periarticular injections in adult patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain.
Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two fluoroscopy-guided procedures:
- Intra-Articular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine delivered directly into the synovial space of the sacroiliac joint under fluoroscopic guidance, confirmed with radiographic contrast.
- Periarticular Injection Group: Participants receive an injection of methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine deposited along the posterior sacroiliac ligament complex and outer capsule under fluoroscopic guidance.
All participants are followed for 8 weeks after the procedure. Changes in pain intensity are tracked using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Physical function and daily activity impairment are measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Patient global improvement, side effects, and rescue pain medication consumption will also be monitored throughout the study period.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-Articular Sacroiliac Joint Injection | Active comparator | Procedure: Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ InjectionParticipants receive a fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular injection into the lower third of the sacroiliac joint. A 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced under C-arm fluoroscopy (15-25° ipsilateral oblique view). Needle placement is confirmed with 0.5-1 mL iohexol contrast medium demonstrating an intra-articular arthrogram. Patients receive 3 mL total injectate containing 40 mg (1 mL) methylprednisolone acetate and 2 mL bupivacaine 0.25%. |
| Periarticular Sacroiliac Joint Injection | Experimental | Procedure: Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ InjectionParticipants receive a fluoroscopy-guided periarticular injection targeting the posterior sacroiliac ligament complex and posterior capsular tissues overlying the middle and upper thirds of the joint. Needle position is confirmed with contrast showing spread along the posterior capsule without intra-articular filling. Patients receive up to 5 mL total injectate containing 40 mg (1 mL) methylprednisolone acetate and bupivacaine 0.25% in a fan-like distribution. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Adult patients aged 18 to 70 years
- Clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain confirmed by at least 3 positive provocation tests out of 5 (FABER, Gaenslen's, thigh thrust, compression, or distraction tests)
- Chronic SIJ pain with a symptom duration of at least 3 months
- Pain intensity score of at least 4 out of 10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS ≥ 4/10) at enrollment
- Failure of conservative management (physiotherapy and/or NSAIDs for at least 6 weeks)
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Known coagulopathy or current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely bridged
- Active local infection at the injection site or systemic infection
- Known hypersensitivity or allergy to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or contrast media
- History of prior SIJ surgery or joint fusion
- Previous sacroiliac joint injection within the last 3 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ InjectionUnder continuous C-arm fluoroscopic guidance (15-25° ipsilateral oblique view), a 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced into the synovial cavity of the lower third of the sacroiliac joint using a posteroanterior approach. Proper intra-articular needle position is verified by injecting 0.5-1 mL iohexol contrast medium to confirm an arthrogram pattern. A 3 mL injectate consisting of methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% (2 mL) is then administered. | Procedure or surgery | Intra-Articular Sacroiliac Joint Injection |
| Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ InjectionUnder fluoroscopic guidance, a 22-gauge spinal needle is directed toward the posterior capsular region and posterior sacroiliac ligament complex overlying the middle and upper thirds of the joint. Correct placement is confirmed via contrast injection showing spread along the posterior capsular surface without intra-articular entry. An injectate of up to 5 mL containing methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg (1 mL) and bupivacaine 0.25% is deposited in a fan-like distribution. | Procedure or surgery | Periarticular Sacroiliac Joint Injection |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in Pain Intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 4 Weeks
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-injection
Pain intensity is assessed using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), where scores range from 0 to 10 (0 = "no pain", 10 = "worst imaginable pain"). This measure evaluates the change in pain score from baseline to 4 weeks post-procedure. A greater reduction or lower score indicates greater pain relief.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Sep 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular SIJ Injection and Fluoroscopy-Guided Periarticular SIJ Injection in people with Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, run by Assiut University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in Pain Intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 4 Weeks (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-injection). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Sep 2026.