Most exams require the patient to remain at our facility 30 minutes post-procedure.
PARS INJECTIONS
Exam time: 30-40
This injection into the Pars fracture within the lamina of the vertebrae determines if the fracture is the origin of the patient's pain.
Preparation/Restrictions:
- Stop blood thinners 4-5 days in advance; stop pain medication 8 hours in advance.
- The patient should bring along any previous imaging studies on film or cd related to the body part being treated.
- The patient will need a driver.
Side Effects:
Side effects of the steroid medications--which affect only 5% of patients and disappear within 1-3 days--include facial flushing, insomnia, occasional low-grade fever, and an increase in blood sugar.
Due to the effects of certain medications, the patient's driving reflexes may be impaired. Consequently, he/she should arrange for a driver in advance or request assistance from our facility.
TRANSITIONAL JOINT INJECTIONS
Exam time: 30-45 minutes
Some patients have an anomaly where a vertebra my fuse to the sacrum to create a pseudo-joint. A transitional joint injection into the pseudo-joint helps referring physicians determine if this abnormality is the source of the patient's spine pain.
Preparation/Restrictions:
• Stop blood thinners 4-5 days in advance; stop pain medication 8 hours in advance.
• The patient should bring along any previous imaging studies on film or cd related to the body part being treated.
• The patient will need a driver.
Side Effects:
Side effects of the steroid medications--which affect only 5% of patients and disappear within 1-3 days--include facial flushing, insomnia, occasional low-grade fever, and an increase in blood sugar.
Due to the effects of certain medications, the patient's driving reflexes may be impaired. Consequently, he/she should arrange for a driver in advance or request assistance from our facility.