Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) specify in which circumstances it is appropriate to perform a procedure. In an effort to foster clinical decision-making, AUC developers integrate the best available scientific evidence and the collective judgment of experts to generate statements regarding the appropriateness of performing a procedure at the level of patient-specific symptoms, medical history, and test results.

In 2012, an IPSIS task force was created to explore the development of AUC. In 2015, this group completed a multispecialty collaborative effort to assess the evidence and develop AUC addressing fluoroscopically-guided diagnostic and therapeutic sacroiliac interventions. This project represented a herculean amount of time and effort and was an unprecedented example of IPSIS’ dedication to collaborative, evidence-based medicine.

Participating organizations:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Society of Anesthesiologists
• American College of Radiology
• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• American Academy of Pain Medicine
• North American Spine Society
• International Pain and Spine Intervention Society

Useful Links
AUC Development Methodology
RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method

FLUOROSCOPICALLY-GUIDED DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC SACROILIAC INTERVENTIONS

The purpose of this AUC is to provide guidance to physicians, based on best available evidence and expert consensus, on the appropriate use of fluoroscopically-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for sacroiliac joint pain and pain arising from the posterior sacroiliac complex. For the purpose of this AUC, it is assumed that the patient has sufficient pain and/or dysfunction to merit seeking the opinion of a specialist and that the treating clinician is trained and capable of effectively performing the recommended treatment(s). This AUC is not meant to be used as a standalone algorithm and should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, clinician judgment, and patient preference. Confounding factors and concurrent diagnoses may alter the treatment.

App: Instructions for Use

• To use the app, click on the chapter title that interests you.
  
• Read the Assumptions and Disclaimer for more information, instructions, and a list of conditions not covered within the app.
  
• Proceed to the Indication Profile to select the characteristics of your patient.