What Is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a live X-ray imaging method that shows moving body structures on a screen. A physician uses the images to guide a needle toward a planned treatment area. During an epidural steroid injection, fluoroscopy can help confirm the needle’s position before medication is delivered near an irritated spinal nerve.
Quick Facts About Fluoroscopy
Category
Medical imaging and procedure guidance
Used for
Guiding needles during injections
Common confusion
It guides treatment rather than treating pain
Also called
Live X-ray, Fluoroscopic guidance
Often discussed with
Epidural Steroid Injection
Key Takeaways About Fluoroscopy
- Fluoroscopy provides moving images during a procedure.
- Image guidance helps confirm the planned treatment location.
- Fluoroscopy guides treatment but isn't the medication itself.
How Fluoroscopy Works
Fluoroscopy uses a steady X-ray beam to create moving images on a monitor. The physician can watch the needle and nearby bones during the procedure. This view helps match the needle position with the planned treatment area.
Related glossary terms: Image Guidance, Lumbar Radiculopathy, Nerve Root.
For an epidural steroid injection, the physician guides the needle toward the epidural space near an irritated spinal nerve. Contrast dye may help outline the target area on the screen. The injection follows after the physician checks the needle position.
What the Images Show
Fluoroscopy shows bone clearly and helps mark the path through the body. It does not replace the physical exam or the medical history. Those sources help the physician choose the treatment area and interpret the images.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we use fluoroscopy for an epidural steroid injection, we review the planned treatment level and patient history first. During the procedure, we use the images to guide needle placement and check the target area before medication is delivered.
Fluoroscopy in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with leg pain from lumbar radiculopathy may receive an epidural steroid injection near an irritated nerve. Fluoroscopy helps guide the needle to the planned epidural space before the injection.
Related Terms
Image Guidance
Image Guidance is a technique that uses live medical images to help a clinician see body…
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar Radiculopathy is a nerve root problem in the lower spine that causes pain, tingling, numbness…
Nerve Root
A nerve root is a short bundle of nerve fibers that leaves the spinal cord through…
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the backbone between the chest and pelvis. It contains…
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