Sacroiliitis: Diagnosis, Progression and Treatment
Sacroiliitis is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic other conditions like arthritis and spinal stenosis. There are many ways to diagnose, including MRIs, X-rays and blood tests.
Anesthetic injections
Sacroiliitis can be diagnosed using anesthetic injections. Anesthetics are injected around the spine to numb the nerves. This procedure may relieve pain when you apply pressure to the affected area.
Image tests
Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs or CT scans, can be used to confirm a sacroiliitis diagnosis. These tests will help your doctor determine the severity of your condition and if there are any damages to your bones or tissues.
X – Rays –X – rays can be used to diagnose sacroiliitis. They help determine whether the joints are damaged or inflamed. X-rays can also reveal signs of conditions such as spinal stenosis or arthritis. Your doctor may order further tests to confirm a diagnosis of sacroiliitis if x-rays indicate that you could have the condition.
The MRI can be used as a diagnostic tool to diagnose sacroiliitis. This condition affects the sacroiliac joints. The MRI shows inflammation and damage in the joint and its surrounding tissues. This information will help your doctor decide the best treatment for you.
Hypersound – Hypersound is an imaging test which uses sound waves to produce images of the interior of the body. It can be used for examining various parts of the human body, including joints. Ultrasound may be used in cases of suspected sacroiliitis to evaluate the health of the joint.
CT Scan –A scan of the sacroiliac joint is used to diagnose this condition. CT scans use powerful X-rays in order to create a 3-dimensional image of your body. This image will help your doctor determine whether you have sacroiliitis, and the severity of it.
Blood Tests
Sacroiliitis can be diagnosed by a physical examination and by ruling other conditions out that may cause the symptoms. Blood tests can also be used to diagnose sacroiliitis.
ESRThe erythrocyte segregation rate (ESR), is often high in people who have sacroiliitis. This test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom in a test tube. Increased ESR is a sign that inflammation may be present.
CRPThe C reactive protein (CRP), another marker of inflammation, may be elevated by people with sacroiliitis.
