Fluoroscopy

What Is a Fluoroscopy-Guided Injection?

A fluoroscopy-guided injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain. Using real-time X-ray imaging, your provider delivers a precise mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic directly into the targeted joint or spine area. This ensures accurate needle placement.

Conditions Treated with Fluoroscopy-Guided injection:

Arthritis and Joint pain
Bursitis
Back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica and radicular pain
Tendinopathies
Muscle pain
Neuromodulation Procedures (Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial & Implant)

Preparing for a Fluoroscopy-Guided Injection

You will be asked if you have any allergies to medications, anesthetics, contrast dye, or latex.
Inform your physician about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
You may need to temporarily stop certain medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories for several days before the procedure, if advised.
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco for a few days prior to your appointment.
Do not eat or drink for at least eight hours before the procedure if sedation will be used.
Remove all jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, or any metal objects that may interfere with imaging.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the injection.
Sign the consent form once the procedure, benefits, and potential risks have been fully explained.

Preparation for Fluoroscopy-Guided Injection

In general, pre-procedure preparation for fluoroscopy-guided injections will involve the following steps:

You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, contrast dye, or latex.
You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
You may need to refrain from vitamins, supplements, and medications such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatories a week prior to the procedure.
It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, diabetic, asthmatic, or have any other medical conditions.
You should refrain from alcohol or tobacco at least a few days prior to the procedure.
You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 6 hours prior to the procedure.
You should remove all metal objects and accessories such as eyeglasses, jewelry, watch, etc. as they can interfere with the imaging.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
A written consent will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the procedure have been explained in detail.

Preparing for a Fluoroscopy-Guided Injection

Reviewing any allergies for medications, anesthetics, contrast dye, or latex.
Informing your physician about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Temporarily stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories, several days before the procedure if advised.
Notifying your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have medical conditions like asthma or diabetes.
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco for a few days prior to your appointment.
Not eating or drinking for at least six hours before the procedure.
Removing jewelry, watches, glasses, or any metal objects that could interfere with imaging.
Arranging for someone to drive you home after the injection.
Signing a consent form once the procedure, benefits, and potential risks have been clearly explained.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Fluoroscopy-guided injections are minimally invasive and typically completed in an outpatient setting within 20–30 minutes. Although every case is unique, the process generally includes:
You will be positioned on the procedure table depending on the area being treated.
Sedation may be offered to help you relax.
The skin over the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and covered with a sterile drape.
A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area.
Using fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) guidance, your physician will place a needle and inject a small amount of contrast dye to confirm precise positioning.
Once the location is verified, the medication (local anesthetic with or without a steroid) will be delivered to the targeted area.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.

Post Procedure Care

After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period before going home. Post procedure care may include:

Staying in the recovery area for about 15-30 minutes to observe for any reaction.
Expecting mild pain or soreness at the injection site for a few days and using ice packs or medications as recommended.
Avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours if you received sedation.
Attending your follow up visit to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications

Fluoroscopy-guided injections are a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any procedure, some risks and complications may occur, such as: