Interventional Radiology

Here at Fillmore County Hospital we offer a variety of services performed by an interventional radiologist. Interventional radiologists are considered the surgeons of radiology as they able to treat patients will minimally invasive procedures with the use imaging guidance. Often these procedures are performed with less pain and faster recovery times. Many common procedures we offer at Fillmore County Hospital include joint injections, injections for back pain, Tenex procedures, treatments for migraines, and numerous other procedures.

• Joint Injections:  A joint injection of the shoulder and hip are common sites of arthritis. A combination of anesthetic and steroid are utilized to decrease pain in these joints. The patient is brought to the x-ray room where the site of pain is prepped in a sterile fashion. Live x-rays are used to guide a needle into the joint. An iodinated contrast is then used to confirm the position, and the medicine is injected. The typical time taken for this injection can be 10-30 minutes.
• Injections for Back Pain:  There are different variations of back injections used to treat specific types of pain caused by either nerves or arthritis in the back. The interventional radiologist uses a combination of anesthetic and steroid to treat theses sites. A C-arm, live x-rays, is used to find the desired angle in the spine to help the interventional radiologist direct the medications into the affected area. Patients are required to have a driver accompany them as there is a chance of numbing in the legs. A patient can expect to be at the hospital for 45-60 minutes from the check-in process to the check-out process.
• Tenex Procedures:  Tenex Health TX™ was designed in collaboration with MAYO Clinic. With the assistance of ultrasound, the interventional radiologist will identify the location of damaged tissue. A small incision is then made to insert the tip of the Tenex machine. Ultrasound guidance is used through out the procedure to ensure only damaged tissue is extract while maintaining healthy tissue. Typical sites the Tenex is used include the foot for plantar fasciitis and the elbow for “tennis” elbow.

Migraine & Headache Treatment:  The SphenoCath procedure is an effective tool in treating migraines, facial pain, cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia. Medication is administered via the nasal passages to provide immediate relief. This is a needle-free procedure that takes just a few minutes to perform. We have treated a variety of ages ranging from pediatrics on up.