Download Piriformis injection GHPI1349_11_15_A4

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Patient
Information
Piriformis injection
Introduction
This leaflet provides you with information on piriformis
injections, which your pain consultant believes may help your
pain. You will also find out more about possible benefits, sideeffects and what you should do following the injection are also
detailed.
What is a piriformis injection?
It is an injection into the buttocks. The piriformis is a muscle in
the buttock area that goes from the side of the tailbone to the
side of the thighbone. The muscle can become inflamed, tight
or go into spasm, causing pain in the buttock and leg.
To help with pain, the muscle can be injected with local
anaesthetic, with or without steroid. The local anaesthetic can
help the muscle fibre relax and the steroid can relieve
inflammation.
Where is it done?
The procedure is carried out in the Chedworth Suite at
Cheltenham General Hospital or the Orchard Centre at
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. A letter with directions and
instructions will be sent to you by the Pain Clinic secretaries.
On arrival
You may be asked to put on a gown
Reference No.
GHPI1349_11_15
Department
Pain Clinic
Review due
November 2018
 You will be asked to lie flat on your stomach
 The area to be injected will be cleaned using antiseptic
 X-ray pictures may be taken throughout the procedure, or
the consultant may use ultrasound to ensure the needle is in
exactly the right place
 The consultant will numb the area with local anaesthetic
before doing the nerve block
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Patient
Information
 You may experience some discomfort, although this is short
lived
 Unfortunately, no injection is without risk. In a very small
number of patients there is a risk of damage to tissues in the
area of the injection and, very rarely, a permanent increase
in pain.
Benefits
The purpose of the injection is twofold: to diagnose whether or
not the piriformis muscle is involved in causing your pain and to
provide pain relief. The injection can help to relieve pain for
several hours, weeks, months or possibly longer. You may get
a period of pain relief that will enable to increase activity levels.
Risks
 You may experience some numbness or weakness in your
leg for a few hours following the injection; this will wear off
 In diabetics the steroids may temporarily raise blood sugar
levels
 As with any injection, there is a very slight chance of getting
an infection where the needle is placed. Every effort is made
to avoid this by using a sterile technique
 The injection may take up to 6 weeks to relieve your pain
and for some people it may not help at all
 Your pain may be worse for a few days. In some cases this
can take up to 2 weeks to return to normal levels
 Unfortunately, no injection is without risk. In a very small
number of patients, there is a risk of damage to tissues in
the area of the injection and, very rarely, a permanent
increase in pain.
Can I take my usual tablets?
Take your usual medications in the morning and bring your
medications with you. If you are taking any medication, other
than Aspirin to thin the blood (such as warfarin or clopidogrel)
or are diabetic on medication, you will receive specific
instructions regarding these medications in advance of the
procedure. Please contact the pain clinic nurse on the number
at the end of this leaflet if you need advice.
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Can I eat and drink?
Patient
Information
You may eat and drink as normal unless your pain consultant
advises you otherwise.
How long will I be in hospital?
Although the procedure itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, you will
be given a time to come in for either a morning or afternoon
procedure. Due to the way the theatre lists are organised, you
may have a substantial wait before your injections are done, so
please come prepared for this. After the procedure you will be
offered a drink and a biscuit and allowed home shortly
afterwards.
Can I drive home?
For safety reasons you are asked not to drive on the day of
your procedure, so you will need someone to collect you from
the hospital. It is preferable that you have someone with you for
the rest of the day
What happens next?
About 6 weeks after your procedure you will be asked either to
telephone our clinical nurse specialists to give a progress
report, or your pain consultant will give you a form to post back
to us. Either way, the next step in your treatment will be
decided according to the amount of benefit you have had from
the injections and any further appointments will be sent to you
in the post. If you are free from pain, you may not be routinely
followed up, but may be left with a 6 month open appointment
instead.
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Contact information
Patient
Information
Pain Clinic
Tel: 0300 422 2976
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, 1:30pm to 4:00pm
An answering machine will be in operation at all other times.
Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/en/Wards-andDepartments/Departments/Pain-Management/Chroniclongterm-Pain-Service/
For urgent calls please contact your GP or NHS 111.
NHS111
Tel: 111
Content reviewed: November 2015
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