An Examination of Fluoroscopic Orthopedic Imaging and Procedures of the Lower Extremities

George Tsoukatos, BPS, R.T. (R)(ARRT)®*

^*Medical Imaging Consultant, Germantown, NY

Address correspondence to: George Tsoukatos, BPS, R.T. (R)(ARRT), Radiology Support Services, PO Box 215, Germantown, NY 12526. E-mail: radiologytechnique@gmail.com.

Disclosure Statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

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.