Objective: The central aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Computed Tomography CT -guided joint cavity release in treating patients suffering from postpartum sacroiliac joint pain. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a sample of 37 patients who presented with postpartum sacroiliac joint pain and underwent CT-guided sacroiliac joint release treatment at The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College.
General clinical attributes of the patients were recorded, and the intensity of their pain before and after the operation was compared using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale NRS. The effectiveness of the surgical treatment was assessed using the Modified MacNab criteria. The functional status of the sacroiliac joint at 3-and 6-month intervals post-operation was examined, and any complications related to surgery were documented.
Patient reported pain, as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale NRS , was considerably reduced postoperatively with scores showing significant decrement from 7.
The surgeries conducted were devoid of any complications such as bleeding, infection, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular incidents, or decline in joint functionality in any of the patients. Conclusion: Evidently, CT-guided joint cavity release presents as an effective therapeutic approach for the management of postpartum sacroiliac joint pain, enhancing quality of life and preserving patient safety.
Dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint during pregnancy or in the postpartum period can arise from a multitude of biomechanical changes, such as weight gain, postural adjustments, augmented abdominal and intrauterine pressures, and the loosening of ligaments in spinal and pelvic areas, as documented in the literature 1 — 3. Notably, the incidence of sacroiliac joint pain reported in everyday settings by postpartum women may be underrepresented, as many seek medical intervention only when the pain substantially interferes with their daily activities.
