What is an Arthrogram?
An arthrogram is a special kind of x-ray of a joint, usually a hip, shoulder, or wrist. During the procedure, a contrast material (also called dye) is injected into the joint. The contrast material is visible on the x-ray image and helps the radiologist and your doctor to recognize specific abnormalities (or to confirm the absence of abnormalities).
Why get an Arthrogram?
Arthrography may be useful in diagnosing a number of conditions including rotator cuff tear, abnormalities in the cartilage of a joint, and adhesive cartilitis (frozen joint). Unlike a plain radiograph (x-ray), an arthrogram demonstrates the interior anatomy of the joint. At Brigham and Women's Hospital, a radiologist who specializes in muskuloskeletal radiology will perform your arthrography and interpret your images.
How is Arthrography performed?
- You will be asked to change into a gown for the examination, then taken to an exam room.
- Plain x-rays of the joint will be taken.
- You will meet with a radiologist (a resident may also be present). You will be asked why the examination has been requested and whether you have any allergies. The radiologist will explain the procedure to you.
- You will be positioned on the x-ray table and asked to maintain the position.
- Local anesthesia (similar to Novocain) will be injected into the joint. This may burn momentarily but will numb the area within a few minutes.
- Contrast, air, and (sometimes) adrenaline will be injected into the joint.
- The radiologist will use fluoroscopy (a set of x-rays in real time) to monitor the flow of the injected materials. The technologist will also take a set of x-rays when the radiologist is finished.
The entire procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
Since arthrography is an outpatient procedure, you can go home or back to work when the examination is finished. Your x-rays will be developed and the radiologist will review them. A report of the results will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours.
Is this a mirrored page?
The official URL is http://brighamrad.harvard.edu/patients/education/amb/arthro.html
Contact the BrighamRAD Design Team for more information about this site.
Updated March 20, 1998
