Orthopedics: Conditions

Fluoroscopy is a technique that gives physicians a "live" X-ray image. Made while the patient is moving, this can reveal skeletal problems that are not apparent in static X-rays. Fluoroscopy is also used to guide some surgical procedures, such as fracture repair and the placement of metal work during orthopedic surgery.

A fluoroscope is essentially an X-ray source and a fluorescent screen, between which the patient is placed. When the fluoroscope is activated, X-rays pass through the patient and are gathered by the fluorescent plate. The image is then intensified and coupled to a television camera. Doctors can watch the moving images on a television monitor. Fluoroscopy results in higher doses of radiation that a standard X-ray, but recent advances have reduced the required dose.