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Page 1 of 4 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 www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk Page 2 of 4 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. www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk Page 3 of 4 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. www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk Page 4 of 4 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 www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk