Course Description
The technology used in intraoperative imaging for visualizing anatomy has evolved greatly over the past 3 decades, particularly in orthopedic surgery. Fluoroscopy is widely used to guide surgical procedures and interventional techniques as well as therapeutic procedures. Recently, surgical workflow using fluoroscopic analysis has become a new paradigm in developing novel interventional orthopedic solutions that, in the past, required more invasive open surgeries. To that end, mobile C-arm fluoroscopy is readily available, is low cost, quick, and easy-to-use and is an important tool in perioperative and intraoperative traumatic and pathologic orthopedic surgical procedures, including a patient's lower extremities. In order to most effectively perform fluoroscopic imaging procedures, it is vital that radiologic technologists (RTs) possess a thorough understanding of techniques that not only allow for sharper imaging, but also help reduce radiation exposure to themselves, other members of the healthcare team, and the patient. This course provides a comprehensive review of: the fundamentals of fluoroscopy; applications of fluoroscopy in orthopedics; a review of key anatomy of the lower extremities (ie, the hip, femur, knee, lower leg [tibia/fibula], ankle, foot, calcaneus, and toes); a review of fracture types, injuries, and conditions specific to the lower extremities; C-arm imaging techniques; patient positioning for specific fluoroscopic procedures and imaging; radiation safety, exposure minimizing techniques and protocols, and safety protocols in fluoroscopy; and understanding the potential hazards of radiation exposure. Illustrative images are included throughout.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• OUTLINE types of fluoroscopy systems and their clinical applications in lower extremity orthopedic imaging and procedures.
• IDENTIFY basic pieces of fluoroscopy C-arm equipment, key operating modes and technical settings, and the major differences between image intensifiers versus flat-panel detectors.
• RECALL key anatomy of the foot, ankle, tibia, fibula, knee, femur, and hip, the most common injuries and conditions associated with each, and the landmarks used in fluoroscopic lower-extremity orthopedic imaging and procedures.
• DIFFERENTIATE the types of lower-extremity orthopedic imaging and procedures that utilize fluoroscopy, including interventional, surgical-trauma, pain management, and joint injections.
• RECALL types of radiographic projections, angles, and image acquisition techniques utilized when performing C-arm orthopedic fluoroscopic studies of the lower extremities.
• EXPLAIN current radiation dose metrics and safety strategies used for lower extremity orthopedic fluoroscopic imaging and examinations.
• IDENTIFY various types of personal protective equipment and radiation measuring devices that should be used during fluoroscopic imaging studies and procedures.

Categories: X-Ray/Radiography/Fluoroscopy and Fluoroscopy

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 27 out of 36 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 4..25 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical Development credits).

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.