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A fluoroscopic guided injection involves injecting medicine directly into the joint under a special form of imaging known as a c-arm. It is used primarily for therapeutic reasons combining a corticosteroid and numbing agent. A steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve pain caused by an inflamed joint. These injections can help diagnose the source of pain, as well as alleviate the discomfort.
The procedure is very similar to an Arthrogram. It is the same procedure we do, but the medication we inject is different. You will be brought to our radiology procedure room, and asked to change into an exam gown before entering. Here the physician will explain the procedure and answer any remaining questions. You will be asked to supine, which is on your back, on the x-ray table and the c-arm will be brought in around the joint receiving the injection. The area will be well-prepped and cleansed for the procedure. The physician numbs a small area of skin with an anesthetic (numbing medication) to minimize any pain of the procedure for comfort. After the area is numb, the physician uses x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct a needle into the joint. The fluoroscope aids the physician to see an x-ray image while performing the injection, which allows them to visually follow the needle to the correct position. Once the correct position is confirmed, the anesthetic and steroid will be injected, and the needle is removed.
You may be asked to remain resting on the table for a short period of time. Sometimes patients get lightheaded or woozy after the injection, but this wears off in a few minutes with rest. On occasion, you may feel numb or experience a slight weak or odd feeling in your leg for a few hours after your injection, but this feeling will diminish once the numbing medication begins to wear off. Most patients experience relief after the injection with minimal to no side effects.
The x-ray technician will get you up and moving and take you back to the locker area and ask you to wait 10 minutes in the waiting room before proceeding out. It may be helpful for you to track your pain over the next few weeks to discuss at your next visit.
If the area is uncomfortable within the first two to three days after the injection, apply an ice or cold pack to the general area of the injection site. This may provide pain relief and be more beneficial than applying heat. Over the counter medications help as well, but check with your physician to make sure you can safely take these medications. The steroid injection may take 1-2 weeks before any effect is noted.
On the day after your injection, you may return to your regular activities.
A fluoroscopy-guided injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which a physician uses real-time X-ray images to guide a needle into the affected joint. This imaging helps confirm that the needle is positioned correctly before medication is injected.
Your physician may recommend an injection to help identify the source of joint pain or reduce discomfort caused by inflammation. The medication may provide temporary relief and help your doctor determine whether the targeted joint is contributing to your symptoms.
You will lie on an X-ray table while the physician cleans the injection site and numbs a small area of skin. Using fluoroscopy to guide the needle into the joint, the physician then injects the anesthetic and corticosteroid before removing the needle.
The local anesthetic may provide relief soon after the procedure, but its effects are temporary. The corticosteroid may take one to two weeks to provide noticeable relief. Results vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient.
You may rest briefly after the procedure before leaving the facility. Temporary lightheadedness or numbness may occur, and the injection site may feel uncomfortable for the first few days. Applying a cold pack may help. Follow your physician’s instructions about medication and activity, and contact the office if you experience concerning symptoms.
