Sacroiliac (S.I.) Joint Injuries

The sacroiliac joint, commonly referred to as the SI joint, is the joint between the very bottom of the spine (the "sacrum") and the hip bones or pelvis (the "ilia"). While the range of movement of this joint is minimal, it is extremely important in providing "shock absorption" for the spine and allowing the turning of the hips to transmit to the spine.

Injury to the SI joint can be extremely painful. However, often victims of SI joint injuries are not diagnosed. The pain can mimic soft tissue injuries often referred to generically as sciatica. SI joint injuries should be considered when a client has pain in the hip that radiates into one or both lower extremities and yet Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") shows no injury to the inter-vertebral discs.

Other common symptoms of SI joint injuries include a change in how a person walks or stands in order to shift weight from the injured joint, sharp pain when rolling from one side to the other in bed, pain when rising from a seated position, pain when climbing stairs, and pain that travels or radiates into a leg. Experiencing pain the lower back, buttocks, leg or groin can also be symptoms of an SI joint injury. Some patients will also report urinary frequency and numbness and tingling. In severe cases, depression and insomnia may accompany an SI joint injury.

Injuries are the most common cause of SI joint pain. This could be a result of a car accident, a fall, or trauma to the pelvis. SI joint pain can also be a result of an overuse injury or repetitive activity, arthritis, infection of the SI joint, or sprains of the ligaments surrounding the SI joint.

One of the most common causes of problems at the SI joint is an injury. The injury can come from a direct fall on the buttocks, a motor vehicle accident, or even a blow to the side of your pelvis. The force from these injuries can strain the ligaments around the joint. It is often referred to as sacroilitis.

If an injury to a sacroiliac joint causes the joint to leak synovial fluid, a surgical fusion of the joint may be necessary to help alleviate pain. This is a serious surgery that is very expensive and requires extensive physical therapy. Time missed from work due to such a surgery can be very significant.

SI joint injuries require an attorney have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the joint and the ability to demonstrate the seriousness of the injury to insurance companies and juries. As such, it is important to hire an attorney that has experience handling SI joint injury cases. At The Lawrence Law Group, our Jacksonville attorneys are experienced in SI joint injuries and will work hard to obtain the full compensation you deserve. Please call or e-mail us if you would like a free consultation. If we accept your case, you will pay us nothing unless we make a recovery for you.