Fluoroscopy in Interventional Pain Management

Over the past 30 years, fluoroscopy has revolutionized the medical treatment of pain and is now the cornerstone of the medical specialty of interventional pain management. Recent understanding and improvements in fluoroscopic imaging, along with an improved understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of pain, have combined to allow the interventional pain specialist to diagnose and treat chronic pain more effectively than ever before. While there are risks associated with the use of fluoroscopy for the patient, the physician, and other procedure room staff, modern fluoroscopic equipment includes many adaptations that have reduced radiation exposure. Risk can further be reduced by following appropriate clinical preventive measures, such as the principles of ALARA, always keeping radiation “As Low as Reasonably Achievable.” This chapter covers the history, science, and technical aspects of fluoroscopy, as well as radiation safety, indications, clinical applications, and precautions.