PREVALENCE OF SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION AMONG FEMALES IN LAHORE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: For the past many decades, the sacroiliac joint has become a topic of concern in the literature. The sacroiliac joint dysfunction is generally acknowledged as a primary cause of low back pain. It is more common among females. The load-bearing surfaces in the SI joint, effects of pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, or the prolong standing position in which the sacrum is more horizontal, are thought to be associated with a higher rate of sacroiliac joint dysfuntion in females. Objectives: This study aimed to find out the prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfuntion and risk factors among females in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: The study population included 167 females with low back pain from different hospitals in Lahore. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. Five cluster tests were performed on the subjects for confirmation of SI joint dysfunction. To assess the level of pain in the patients affected with SI joint dysfuntion, Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability questionnaire was used. Results: Out of 167 females, 78 (46.71%) were experiencing sacroiliac pain. The dysfunction was more common in married young ladies (58.68%). The patients with compression test (61.68%) and thigh thrust test (50.30%), out of 5 cluster tests were positive. Conclusion: It was concluded that the prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction among females in Lahore is 46.71 % and it was significantly more common among married females The patients with SIJ had a moderate level of pain.