Arthrograpy is defined mainly as the procedure that involves multiple x rays of a particular joint by using a fluoroscope. This is a piece of the x-ray equipment which shows the immediate x-ray image. The contrast medium is then injected into the person's joint area and this helps to highlight the different structures of that joint. Quite often, arthrography is ordered to chiefly help in the determination of the cause of any unexplained joint pain. An arthrogram is that part of a diagnostic procedure that is used to help detect any structural and functional problems that are there in joints, including the person's knee, ankle, hip, wrist, or the shoulder joints. One of the commonest uses of the arthrogram procedure is to examine and check a specific joint in the hope of determining whether it will need treatment like surgical correction, or even substitution of person's joint with some kind of artificial replacement. This arthrogram procedure is also used quite commonly to help in the diagnosis of a cause of any pain and any discomfort in either one or more than one joint.
There are broadly two types of arthrograms. The simplest style of this diagnostic procedure requires taking some x-rays of the affected joint. Another type of this arthrogram procedure involves taking an MRI or even a CT scan to create even more detailed images and prints of the joints. If the procedure is done by using an x-ray, or MRI, or a CT scan, the initial part involves injecting the contrast dye right into the joint that is going to be examined. This contrast dye is mainly used as it helps in increasing the contrast of the images which are created by using an imaging machine. By thus increasing this contrast and even more detailed image can then be created, thus helping the doctors to get more accurate assessments of the condition of the various joints or in diagnosing the problem. The next step of the procedure changes, based on the precise tests which the patient will need to undergo. Some people can undergo only an x-ray, or only a CT scan, or only an MRI. In other cases the patient may undergo maybe two or three of the procedures, following right one after the other. Each of these diagnostic tests involves equipment that uses specific types of technology to create images of the interior of the joint.
Submitted by M T on March 8, 2010 at 10:51