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Fluoroscopic Guided Injection
Fluoroscopic guided injection is not a single treatment but rather a technique — using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide needle placement with exceptional accuracy during a wide range of spinal and joint injections.
What is a Fluoroscopic Guided Injection?
Precision is everything when it comes to treating pain at its source. Fluoroscopic guided injection is not a single treatment but rather a technique — using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide needle placement with exceptional accuracy during a wide range of spinal and joint injections. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, the majority of our interventional procedures are performed using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure that medication is delivered exactly where it will do the most good. This technology allows Dr. Brewer to confirm needle position in real time, improving both the safety and the effectiveness of each treatment.
What To Expect
Fluoroscopy is used as part of many procedures rather than being a standalone treatment. When your procedure involves fluoroscopic guidance, here's what to expect:
✔️ You'll be positioned on a procedure table and the C-arm fluoroscope (a mobile X-ray unit) will be positioned around you.
✔️ The skin at the injection site is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
✔️ Dr. Brewer advances the needle under live X-ray imaging, viewing the position on a monitor in real time.
✔️ A small amount of contrast dye may be injected first to confirm correct placement before the therapeutic medication is administered.
✔️ The entire process adds very little time to the procedure but significantly improves accuracy and outcomes.
Results and Recovery
Recovery depends entirely on the specific injection being performed under fluoroscopic guidance. In general, patients are monitored briefly after the procedure and are able to return home the same day. Our team will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the treatment you received.
Fluoroscopic guidance is used for virtually all spinal injection procedures at RCIPS, including:
✔️ Epidural steroid injections for back pain, sciatica, and radiculopathy
✔️ Facet joint injections and medial branch blocks
✔️ Transforaminal epidural steroid injections
✔️ Selective nerve root blocks
✔️ Spinal cord stimulator lead placement
✔️ Kyphoplasty and other structural spinal procedures
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Frequently Asked Questions
It uses the same X-ray technology, but fluoroscopy provides a continuous, real-time moving image rather than a single still picture. This allows Dr. Brewer to watch needle movement as it happens and make micro-adjustments to ensure perfect placement.
Yes. The radiation exposure from a fluoroscopically guided injection is minimal — comparable to a small fraction of a standard X-ray series. We use the lowest effective dose and follow all ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) safety protocols.
Both fluoroscopy and ultrasound are valuable guidance tools, and the choice depends on the procedure. Fluoroscopy is preferred for spinal injections because it provides superior visualization of bony anatomy. Ultrasound may be used for certain peripheral nerve or soft tissue targets.
Most insurance plans cover fluoroscopically guided procedures because the imaging improves accuracy and clinical outcomes. Our team will verify your coverage before your procedure and work with you on any out-of-pocket questions.
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Leaders In Shreveport Pain Management for Over 20 Years