Patient selection and instruments used for peripheral nerve stimulation of the sacroiliac joint

Abstract

Sacroiliac joint pain is a very common cause of low back pain. Treatments such as physical therapy, medications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and nerve blocks or injections can often improve symptoms. However, when these techniques are unsuccessful, consideration should be given to peripheral nerve stimulation as a long-term solution for chronic sacroiliac joint pain. Case reports over the previous decade have indicated that peripheral nerve stimulation can be useful in treating sacroiliac joint pain. This chapter provides an overview of this technique. The topics include the patient selection process (including the importance of obtaining a psychological evaluation), contraindications, and instruments used during the procedure.