A fluoro injection is a medical procedure that uses real-time X-ray imaging, known as fluoroscopy, to precisely guide an injection. This advanced imaging allows healthcare providers to visualize internal body structures as they perform the injection. The guidance helps ensure that medication or other substances are delivered to a specific, targeted area within the body. This precision is important for maximizing the effectiveness of the injection while minimizing potential effects on surrounding tissues.
What is a Fluoro Injection
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that functions like a continuous X-ray “movie,” displaying moving images of the body’s internal structures on a monitor. This real-time visualization allows medical professionals to observe bones, joint spaces, and even the metallic needle as it is carefully advanced.
The substances injected vary based on the procedure’s purpose. Common examples include corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce swelling and pain. Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, may also be included to provide immediate, temporary pain relief. In some cases, a contrast dye is injected, which shows up on the X-ray images, helping to confirm the precise location before the main medication is delivered.
Why Fluoro Injections are Used
Fluoro injections are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Diagnostically, these injections can help pinpoint the exact source of pain; if a patient experiences temporary relief after a local anesthetic is injected into a specific nerve or joint, it helps confirm that area as the pain generator. Therapeutically, they deliver medication directly to the affected site, which can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Examples of common applications include managing chronic pain in joints like the knee, hip, and shoulder. They are also frequently used for spinal pain, including epidural injections, facet joint injections, and nerve blocks, addressing issues like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. The use of fluoroscopy is important because it allows for accurate placement of the injected substance, which is particularly beneficial for deep or complex anatomical areas, thereby enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness and reducing the likelihood of affecting unintended areas.
The Fluoro Injection Procedure
Before a fluoro injection, patients typically discuss their medical history, including any allergies and current medications, with their healthcare provider. Depending on the specific injection, there may be instructions regarding fasting or adjusting certain medications, particularly blood thinners, to minimize the risk of bleeding.
During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an X-ray table, and the skin over the injection site is thoroughly cleansed. A local anesthetic is then applied to numb the skin. Using the fluoroscopy machine, the healthcare provider guides a thin needle to the precise target location, often confirming placement with a small amount of contrast dye. Once the correct position is confirmed, the medication is slowly injected.
After the injection, patients are monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate reactions. It is common to experience some numbness from the local anesthetic, which usually wears off within a few hours. Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site can occur. Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days and to refrain from submerging the injection site in water for 24-48 hours. Driving or operating heavy machinery is restricted for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
Important Considerations for Patients
Fluoro injections offer several advantages, including targeted treatment and rapid pain relief due to precise needle placement. This accuracy also enhances diagnostic capabilities, helping providers confirm the source of a patient’s pain. The minimally invasive nature of these procedures allows for a quicker recovery.
Despite their benefits, considerations exist for patients. Radiation exposure from fluoroscopy is low and monitored, with the benefits of accurate guidance outweighing this exposure. However, pregnant individuals or those who suspect they might be pregnant should inform their doctor, as X-rays can be harmful to a developing fetus.
Other potential effects include allergic reactions to the injected contrast or medication, infection at the injection site, and temporary bleeding or bruising. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain or a “steroid flare” for a day or two after the procedure, particularly with corticosteroid injections, and diabetics might observe a temporary rise in blood sugar levels. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding preparation, potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes with their healthcare provider.