Radiofrequency denervation of sacroiliac joints: The Kent Centre for Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation

This leaflet will explain the following.

• What sacroiliac joints are.

• What radiofrequency denervation is.

• Why the procedure has been recommended.

• What happens during and after the procedure.

• What the possible side effects are.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your GP or other relevant healthcare professional.

Why am I having this procedure?

Before radiofrequency denervation is considered, you will have had a test block of the nerves supplying your sacroiliac joints. The treatment has offered you some relief, which confirms your diagnosis. The pain relief was thought to be significant by you and your doctor, but unfortunately it has worn off.

Radiofrequency treatment can last much longer than injections. Unfortunately, it does not always work as well as we would like. If the relief you had from the injections was good, the chances are that radiofrequency treatment will help. This cannot be guaranteed.

We can repeat this process on both sides of your spine. Due to the complex nature of this procedure, we only treat one side at a time. We may bring you back at a later date to have your other side treated, if needed.

Will I have to stay in hospital?

The procedure is carried out as a day case procedure (you can go home on the same day). It is carried out in a Day Surgery theatre, to minimise your risk of infection. Shortly before your procedure we will ask you to change in to a theatre gown.

What happens during my procedure?

• The procedure is carried out under x-ray. This allows the doctor to identify the specific area to be treated. You must tell your consultant if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, as x-rays may harm your baby.

• We will place a self-adhesive foil plate on your thigh. This is connected to the radiofrequency machine to make an electric circuit.

• We ask you to lie down on your front. The doctor will prepare the area to be treated with an antiseptic solution, which may feel cold.

• The doctor will inject a local anaesthetic at the site of the procedure. This may sting to start with, before your skin goes numb.

• You must keep still during your procedure. A special hollow needle will be carefully inserted under x-ray guidance in to the correct position.

• We may repeat the above at several points.

• We may check the correct position of the probe using two tests. This will depend on whether you are sedated or not.

  • Sensory: you may feel tightness, pressure, or tingling in the area.

  • Motor: you may feel some throbbing in the area.

• If asked, you must report the sensations accurately and promptly. If there is throbbing in your leg or you have got no sensations on the tests we may need to reposition the probe.

• The machine will be set to deliver several lesions to the nerves. This is done by heating it for about one and half minutes per lesion. During this time, you may feel some pain at the site of your procedure.

• After the probe is removed, the doctor injects a mixture of local anaesthetic in to the area. This will relieve any discomfort following your procedure.

• After the procedure, a small dressing will cover the injection sites. Please remove the dressing after 24 hours. Do not worry if the dressing falls off sooner.

What are the possible side effects?

• There may be some pain and bruising at the needle site, which should settle over a few days.

• You may have some bleeding from the needle site.

• You may feel a little unsteady when you first stand.

• The procedure may make your pain worse, this should stop within a few weeks.

• There is a small risk of infection at the site of the injections.

• You may have some leg weakness or numbness, which should stop over a few hours.

• Female patients may have irregular periods, due to the use of steroids.

• People with diabetes may have unstable blood sugar levels due to the steroid effects.

• Rarely, you may have some mood changes due to the steroids.

• Very rarely, there is a risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage.

What will happen after my injections?

• You will be taken to the recovery area. You can go home 1 to 2 hours after your injection.

• You must not drive for 24 hours following your procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.

• It is strongly recommended that you have someone stay at home with you until the following day.

• Avoid any strenuous activities for at least 1 day after your procedure. However, start normal activities again as soon as possible.

• You may notice an immediate improvement, but improvement can be delayed for a few days or even weeks. Sometimes there may be a slight increase in pain. Even if the procedure works well, you may not notice any benefit for some weeks.

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

A telephone appointment will be made for a nurse to call you after your procedure. We will send you a letter with the date and time of this appointment. The nurse will review the outcome of the procedure during your telephone appointment. They will plan what happens next and discuss this with you.

If you continue to have good benefit from the procedure, we may discharge you from the Pain Clinic.

Further information

If you have any concerns regarding the information in this leaflet or your procedure, please phone the Pain Clinic.

Kent Centre for Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation (direct lines)

• Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 01227 783049

• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
  Telephone: 01843 235094

• William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
  Telephone: 01233 616691

Useful information

• East Kent Hospitals. Chronic pain patient information.

[Web site last accessed 13 February 2026]

Ask 3 Questions

There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:

• What are my choices?

• What is good and bad about each choice?

• How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?

Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.

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