The Different Types of Fluoroscopy Procedures
When it comes to medical imaging technology, fluoroscopy procedures aren’t as well-known as their counterparts. However, these types of procedures are just as useful as the more popular X-rays and MRI scans. In short, fluoroscopy is a way for medical professionals to examine and capture real-time images of moving body parts. There are many different types of fluoroscopy procedures, each targeting different bones, joints, muscles, and other areas of the body. If you’re going in for a fluoroscopy procedure, it’s important to know the basics of what will happen. Learn more about the common types of fluoroscopy in our guide below.
Arthrography
Medical professionals use arthrography to take images of joints, usually in a shoulder, knee, or hip. An arthrography is useful when a standard X-ray—which only takes still images—can’t capture the necessary details of a joint. During an arthrography, the doctor will insert contrast dye into the joint to create a clearer image of the area and properly diagnose what’s wrong.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
One of the different types of fluoroscopy procedures is an intravenous pyelogram—also known as an IVP. This procedure allows doctors to examine a patient’s kidneys and ureters. Doctors typically order IVPs to diagnose or examine kidney stones. This process allows a doctor to watch as the contrast dye moves from your kidney, through the ureter, and into the bladder. By watching the path of the dye, doctors can spot any blockages or other complications that are causing pain.
Barium X-Rays
Barium X-rays examine a patient’s gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. During a barium X-ray, the patient drinks barium liquid. As the barium moves through their gastrointestinal tract, the doctor gets a clearer view of their organs’ lining, shape, and contour. By examining these details, doctors can better understand pain or complications in the gastrointestinal tract. This type of fluoroscopy procedure provides a way for doctors to diagnose abdominal pain, abnormal weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and more.
