[ RadSafe ] Fluoroscopy exposure question

[Bair, William (CONTR)]

I know of a patient who tried the radiofrequency neurotomy.  It was not too effective for her, but is reported to be a viable alternative to surgery for some patients, particularly those who are poor candidates for the rigors associated with spinal surgery.  I don't know the doses involved but I would ask if the fluoroscope is used during the entire procedure or just during evolutions requiring positioning of the probe, i.e. how long is it used. I guess I would suggest that an elderly (in particular) patient give it a shot if it might mean they could avoid surgery, especially lower back.  That's a tough procedure for anyone.

Bill Bair, Sr. Scientist
Radiological Engineering
NSTec, LLC
Contractor to the US Department of Energy
(702)295-4463 (W)
(702)630-0631 (C)
(702)295-9335 (fax)

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Perle, Sandy
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2012 7:33 AM
To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics) MailingList
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Fluoroscopy exposure question

Agree. See an Orthopedic or Neuro surgeon for another opinion 

Regards,

Sandy Perle
Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:05 AM, "JPreisig at aol.com" <JPreisig at aol.com> wrote:

> Hi,
> 
>     I would get my Mother to go see a real Back  surgeon.  Soon.
> 
>     Joe Preisig
> 
> 
> 
> 
> In a message dated 7/26/2012 12:46:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
> slgawarecki at gmail.com writes:
> 
> Hi  All,
> 
> I have an actual technical radiation safety question.  My  mother has 
> had two facet joint injection procedures to treat her chronic  back 
> pain.  Facet joints are the small joints located between each  
> vertebra, and a painful syndrome can develop when one or more becomes  
> inflamed or irritated from arthritis or other causes.  The injection  
> of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medicine is  guided by fluoroscopy.  This
> can be repeated every two months.   She is contemplating another procedure
> called radiofrequency neurotomy,  which interrupts the nerves to the 
> facet joint by thermal denervation using  a radiofrequency probe, 
> again guided using a fluoroscope.  This  procedure has a 
> longer-lasting effect.  Both procedures are performed  on an 
> outpatient basis.  The facet joint injections take 20 to 30  minutes, 
> and the radiofrequency neurotomy takes 30 to 60 minutes.  The  patient 
> is then observed for 45 minutes of initial recovery.
> 
> Does  anyone know the typical radiation exposures associated with  
> these procedures?  What questions should she be asking about the use  
> of the fluoroscope?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any  information.
> 
> Susan  Gawarecki
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