Fluoroscopic interventional spine procedures are advanced, minimally invasive techniques used to diagnose and treat spinal pain conditions. These procedures utilize real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to ensure precise needle placement and medication delivery, enhancing both safety and effectiveness. Commonly performed for chronic pain due to conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and facet joint arthritis, these interventions provide targeted relief by addressing inflammation, nerve irritation, or joint dysfunction in the spine.
Cervical and lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are widely used for nerve root pain, often caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. These injections involve delivering a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication into the epidural space near the affected nerve root, reducing inflammation and alleviating radicular pain that radiates down the arms or legs. Intra-articular facet injections, on the other hand, target the small facet joints in the spine, which can become inflamed due to arthritis or mechanical stress. By injecting corticosteroids and anesthetics directly into these joints, patients experience pain relief and improved mobility.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another effective fluoroscopic-guided procedure used for chronic spinal pain originating from the facet joints or sacroiliac joints. This technique involves using radiofrequency energy to create heat, which disrupts the pain-signaling nerves in the targeted area. RFA provides longer-lasting relief compared to steroid injections, often lasting six months to a year or more. These interventional spine procedures are crucial for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications, offering an alternative to surgery and improving overall quality of life.
