The sacroiliac joint is a fairly strong joint. The joint is paired. It connects the somewhat prominent surface of the ilium and the lateral part of the sacrum. In accordance with 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 bundles. These ligaments are considered 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 (rear). Another one - additional, ilio-lumbar - passes from the transverse process of the fifth vertebra of the lumbar to the iliac crest. The joint capsule is attached along the edge of the surfaces. It is tight enough. The joint has a slit-like cavity. The ear-shaped flat surfaces of the sacrum and ilium coversfibrous cartilage. Blood supply is carried out through branches of the lumbar, external sacral and iliac-lumbar arteries. Outflow occurs through the veins of the same name. Lymph drainage is carried out through deep vessels. They approach the iliac and lumbar nodes. The innervation of the joint capsule is carried out by the branches of the sacral and lumbar plexuses.
Building features
Both the shape and size of the surfaces of the joints in different people can be completely different. In children, for example, they are smoother, and in adults - with curves. The sacroiliac joint is a real joint in structure. It contains a synovial membrane and a small amount of fluid. The articular surfaces are lined with fibrous cartilage. At the same time, it has a greater thickness on the sacrum. In depth there is a layer of hyaline cartilage. In some cases, the articular surface may be covered with connective tissue. This area (gap) with all the elements is found already in childhood and is present in any adult. This allows us to conclude that, as in other areas, inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, trauma and other injuries can occur. Due to the peculiar structure in the joint, movements are made in very limited volumes. Connections of this type are intended not so much for mobility as for stability. In addition to anatomical interactions, strong ligaments that strengthen the capsules give stability to the joint.
Osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joints
This is a chronic disease, which is characterized by the presence of processes of a dystrophic type. They occur on the basis of mobility disorders and prolonged inflammation in the joint cavity. This pathology can pass on its own, without any additional impact. However, due to hypothermia or under the influence of excessive loads, the sacroiliac joint may again begin to disturb. Treatment includes conservative methods.
Clinical picture
The signs that accompany the pathology are almost identical to the 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 sign is stiffness in movements.
Diagnosis
First of all, the patient is examined. The nature of biochemical changes is also assessed. In particular, sensitivity is determined during palpation, during movement, muscle tone, and so on. Additionally, a specialist may prescribe:
- Laboratory blood test. Usually, with sacroiliac arthrosis, a high level of ESR is detected.
- For women - a gynecological examination, since a number of pathologies in the organs in the small pelvis may be accompanied by pain extending to the sacrum.
- X-ray. This research method will confirmor exclude traumatic injuries in the pelvic bones and spine.
- Computed tomography or MRI of the sacroiliac joints. These methods make it possible to exclude the presence of tumor formations on the vertebral bodies or pelvic bones.
It should be noted that only the posterior articular sections are available for palpation and examination, and only in case of mild subcutaneous tissue. If there is pain during the palpation process, the specialist can conclude that there is damage or inflammation. If a deformity complicated by pain is detected, subluxation or dislocation of the joint is assumed during palpation. Some patients develop a swaying gait. Such a manifestation, accompanied by pain in the region of the pubic and sacroiliac joints, indicates post-traumatic pelvic instability. The most informative research method is considered by many experts to be radiography. The articular surfaces are projected as oval elongated shadows. Along their edges, strips of enlightenment in the form of arcs are visible, corresponding to the cracks of the joint.
Arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints: treatment
As mentioned above, therapeutic measures include conservative methods. First of all, you need to reduce physical activity. Doctors recommend not to be in an upright or sitting position for a long time. To unload the joint, a special bandage should be worn (especially for pregnant women). Given the stagepathology, severity of the course and clinical manifestations, a complex effect may include activities such as:
- Medication taking. The list of recommended medications includes analgesics, vitamins, hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Performing blockades using drugs such as Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone and others.
- Therapeutic exercise.
- Manual therapy. This technique is aimed at improving blood circulation and restoring lost joint functions.
- UHF, infrared radiation and other physiotherapy treatments.
- Acupuncture.
Prevention
To prevent the development of arthrosis in the sacroiliac joint, it is necessary to maintain an active lifestyle. An important condition is the exclusion of stressful situations, emotional overstrain. Of particular importance is the diet. You should not overeat, because with excess body weight, an additional load on the spinal column.
