Diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint region pain in horses

Abstract

The sacroiliac joint and pain deriving from this complex region remains poorly understood in horses, although our understanding grows as the body of literature grows. A deeper understanding can be derived from the richer body of literature in human sacroiliac joint pain as the disease processes and biomechanics appear similar in both species. A highly specific and sensitive diagnostic test for this condition does not exist, so equine clinicians have to make presumptive diagnosis based on presenting signs, findings of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and the response to blocking of the sacroiliac joint region. Many horses with sacroiliac joint region pain have concurrent orthopaedic injury or disease. Treatment is largely based on fundamentals, anecdotal evidence and translation of non-surgical techniques used in humans. Treatment for other orthopaedic conditions can conflict with rehabilitation for sacroiliac joint region pain, necessitating compromise.