The small but subtle difference in the sacroiliac joint in gender medicine

Gender differences also in the area of ​​the sacroiliac joint

Men are more prone to high blood pressure, but women are more sensitive to medications. For years, gender studies in medical research, diagnostics and therapy have been the subject of discussion. Also in the area of ​​the sacroiliac joint (ISG), the connection between the lower spine and the pelvis, this gender-specific difference plays a special role. "While the ISG in men becomes stiffer and immobile over the years, it still has comparatively much room for women in old age," emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Florian Stockhammer, chief physician and specialist in neurosurgery at the Dresden Municipal Hospital. "According to different causes lead to painful changes such as an ISG blockade at this point."

Gender specific forms and changes

In men, the articular surfaces of the ISG have numerous gutters and elevations, so the sides mesh well with one another and leave little room for maneuver. For women, on the other hand, even surfaces dominate that offer plenty of freedom of movement. Stability is not caused by the joint itself, but by the position of the sacrum in the pelvic ring and by the muscular and ligamentous apparatus. "In female patients, pregnancy and the associated increased flexibility of the entire ligament and tendon apparatus often contribute to a displacement of the iliac and iliac bone," explains Prof. Stockhammer. "Other, gender-unspecific triggers for painful displacements of the articular surfaces are heavy lifting, the so-called 'kicking into the void' or dull falling." In all cases, sufficient exercise, such as a long walk, jogging, swimming or cycling, help with the ISG blockage to solve. Special exercises by the physiotherapist complete the program.

Uniform therapeutic measures

In order to restore the normal gait, heat applications offer, which relax the strained muscles. If this is unsuccessful, acupuncture will help to resolve blockages, while syringing pain and concomitant inflammation will result in syringe therapy. This method, also known as infiltration therapy, provides pain relief by injecting a local anesthetic or an anti-inflammatory drug directly into the joint space. If these conservative methods no longer help, an operative procedure takes place. In the past, doctors stiffened the corresponding area with a rigid screw system, but today a new type of implant system with so-called iFuse implants is available. "Due to their porous surface structure and special design, the triangular implants quickly grow together with the surrounding bones and provide new stability," explains Prof. Stockhammer. Health insurance companies assume the costs of the procedure in full.