Sacral-iliac articulation: symptoms and treatment regimen

The sacroiliac joint is a fairly strong joint. The joint is paired. It connects several prominent surface of the ilium and the lateral part of the sacrum. According to the classification, it is referred to as tight joints. Next, consider the sacroiliac joint in more detail.

Anatomy

The sacroiliac joint is a ligamentous apparatus, the elements of which are arranged in the form of short beams. These ligaments are considered to be the strongest in the human body. They act as axes of rotation for the probable movements that the sacroiliac joint performs. Additional strengthening in the joint are ligaments: ventral (anterior), dorsal (posterior). Another - additional, ilio-lumbar - passes from the transverse process of the fifth vertebra of the lumbar region to the iliac crest. The joint capsule is attached along the edge of the surfaces. It is tight enough. The joint has a slit-shaped cavity. Auricular flat surfaces of the sacrum and iliac bones cover the fibrous cartilage. Blood supply is carried out by means of the branch of the lumbar, external sacral and iliac-lumbar arteries. Outflow occurs on the same name veins. Lymph outflow is carried out on deep vessels. They approach the iliac and lumbar nodes. The innervation of the joint capsule is due to the branches of the sacral and lumbar plexus.

Features of the structure

Both the shape and the size of the joint surfaces in different people can be completely different. Children, for example, they are more smooth, and in adults - with bends. The sacroiliac joint is by construction a real joint. It has a synovial membrane and a small amount of fluid. Fibrous fibrous cartilage is lined on the articular surfaces. At the same time, on the sacrum, it is thicker. In the depth there is a layer of hyaline cartilage. In some cases, the joint surface can be covered with a connective tissue. This area (slit) with all elements is found already in childhood and is available for any adult. This allows us to conclude that, as in other sites, inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, traumatization and other injuries can occur. Due to the peculiar structure in the joint movements are carried out in very limited quantities. Connections of this type are intended not so much for mobility as for stability. In addition to anatomical interactions, the stability of the joint is attached to strong ligaments that strengthen the capsules.

Osteoarthritis of sacroiliac joints

This is a chronic disease, which is characterized by the presence of processes of the dystrophic type. They occur on the basis of a disorder of mobility and prolonged inflammation in the joint cavity. This pathology can take place independently, without any additional impact. However, due to overcooling or under the influence of excessive loads, it can again start to disturb the sacroiliac joint. Treatment includes conservative methods.

Clinical picture

The signs that accompany pathology are almost identical to manifestations of other types of arthrosis. The main symptoms should, in particular, include dull, aching, and sometimes severe sharp pain localized in the lower back. A characteristic feature is stiffness in the movements.

Diagnostics

First of all, the patient is examined. The nature of biochemical changes is also assessed. In particular, sensitivity is determined in the process of palpation, during movement, muscle tone and so on. In addition, the specialist can appoint:

• Laboratory blood test. Usually, sacroiliac arthrosis reveals a high level of ESR.
• For women - a gynecological examination, because a number of pathologies in the organs in the small pelvis may be accompanied by pain extending to the sacrum area.
• Radiography. This method of research will confirm or exclude traumatic injuries in pelvic bones and spine.
• Computer tomography or MRI of sacroiliac joints. These methods make it possible to exclude the presence of tumor formations on the bodies of the vertebrae or pelvic bones.

It should be noted that palpation and examination are available only in the posterior articular divisions and only in the case of poorly expressed subcutaneous tissue. In the presence of pain in the process of feeling, a specialist can conclude that there is damage or inflammation. When a deformity complicated by pain is revealed, a subluxation or dislocation of the joint is implied during palpation. Some patients have a swaying gait. This manifestation, accompanied by soreness in the region of the lobar and sacroiliac joint, speaks of pelvic post-traumatic instability. The most informative research method by many specialists is radiography. The articular surfaces are projected in the form of oval, elongated shadows. At the edges of them, you can see the lines of enlightenment in the form of arcs, corresponding to the joint slits.

Osteoarthritis of sacroiliac joints: treatment

As mentioned above, therapeutic interventions include conservative methods. First of all, it is necessary to reduce physical activity. Doctors recommend not to sit for a long time in a vertical or sitting position. To unload the joint, a special bandage should be worn (especially for pregnant women). Taking into account the stage of pathology, severity of the course and clinical manifestations, a complex impact can include such activities as:

• Reception of medicines. The list of recommended medicines includes analgesics, vitamins, hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Execution of blockades using such drugs as "Lidocaine", "Hydrocortisone" and others.
• Physiotherapy.
• Manual therapy. This technique is aimed at improving blood circulation and restoring lost joint functions.
• UHF, infrared radiation and other physiotherapeutic procedures.
• Acupuncture.

Prevention

To prevent the development of arthrosis in the sacroiliac joint, you must adhere to an active lifestyle. An important condition is the exclusion of stressful situations, emotional overstrain. Of particular importance is the diet. Do not overeat, because with excess body weight, an additional load is created on the spinal column.