Fluoroscopy Guided Procedures - United Spine & Ortho of Metro-Atlanta

Fluoroscopy Guided Procedures With Atlanta Orthopedic Specialists

Fluoroscopy involves the use of x-rays to perform minimally invasive procedures, such as injections requiring a high degree of precision.

What Is a Fluoroscopy Guided Procedure?

Fluoroscopy involves the use of x-rays to perform minimally invasive procedures, such as injections requiring a high degree of precision. These x-rays will allow your doctor to see exactly what is going on under the skin without making incisions. Fluoroscopy allows a doctor to target a specific area, thus making more of an impact while using less medication.

Many procedures are performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy. In orthopedics or rehabilitation medicine, it’s often used while performing injections (such as epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, PRP, or peripheral joint injections). A fluoroscopy guided procedure can also be used to help diagnose and identify certain conditions.

Getting a Fluoroscopy Guided Procedure With an Orthopedic in Atlanta

Atlanta orthopedic specialists use fluoroscopy to guide a wide range of procedures. As many different procedures can be performed using fluoroscopy, what you should expect will depend on which procedure you are undergoing. Ask your doctor what will happen during the appointment, and how you should prepare. You may be required to avoid eating for 6 hours prior to the procedure. It is typically also recommended that you wear loose, easily adjusted clothing without metal buttons, clasps, or buckles.

You will be positioned under an x-ray machine while your doctor performs your procedure. Your doctor will carefully observe the monitor as he or she performs the procedure.

What is Recovery Like After a Fluoroscopy Guided Procedure?

Because fluoroscopy is used to help perform minimally invasive procedures, recovery from a fluoroscopy guided procedure is usually very quick, but your exact recovery time will depend on the specific procedure that was performed through the use of fluoroscopy.

Fluoroscopy guided procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will be able to go home after the procedure with no need for a hospital stay.

Your doctor may request that you restrict certain activities after your fluoroscopy guided procedure, such as not operating machinery or not submerging yourself in water for 24 hours after the procedure. Talk to your doctor for specific restrictions in your case.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of a Fluoroscopy Guided Procedure?

As with most minimally-invasive procedures, side effects are minimal, but will vary based on which procedure was performed through the use of fluoroscopy. If any type of anesthetic was used, there may be a potential for side effects like nausea, muscle aches, dry mouth, or others.

Fluoroscopy uses x-ray radiation. While small amounts of x-ray exposure are minimally harmful, talk to your doctor if you have had many x-rays taken recently. Multiple x-rays in a short period of time can lead to radiation sickness. There is also a risk of an allergic reaction to contrast dyes used during a fluoroscopic procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Fluoroscopy Guided Procedures?

Fluoroscopy performed by an orthopedic in Atlanta is helpful in performing many different helpful treatments. Talk to your doctor before pursuing a fluoroscopy guided procedure if you are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. Those who have recently undergone radiation treatment may wish to limit their exposure to radiation, and thus may not be good candidates for fluoroscopy guided procedures.

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