RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of US-guided sacroiliac joint injection in the treatment of sacroiliitis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board and informed oral and written consent was obtained from the patients and their parents. In 13 patients (7 females and 6 males), 9â-â16 years (mean +/- std 11.39â+/-1.98), 18 sacroiliac joint (SI joint) injections were performed under US guidance. All patients suffered from severe sacroiliitis. US scanning was performed using a linear-array transducer operating at 5â-â18âMHz. Rating of the patients pain using a 0â-â10 dolorimetry scale on a visual analog score (VAS) was recorded before, immediately after and 3 months after injection to monitor severity and therapeutic response. RESULTS: Injection could be performed in all patients without complication and showed good response immediately and 3 months after the injection with a decrease of the VAS (from mean +/- std 9.44â+/- 1.097 to 3.89â+/- 3.82, pâ<â0.001 and to 0.56â+/- 1.097, pâ<â0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: US-guided SI joint injection was feasible in all children, relatively quick and easy to perform and appeared effective in the treatment of children with sacroiliitis.