Arthrogram MRI

Arthrogram is a procedure that involves imaging the joints of the body using special X-rays. These X-rays are formed by the use of fluoroscopic dyes such as iodine. The contrast medium, also called the dye, is injected into the joint that has to be examined.

Reasons for Arthrogram

Arthrograms are used mainly to detect the reason behind unexplained pain that occurs in certain joints of the human body. It is a fluoroscopic procedure which shows the internal working of certain joints or outlines the soft tissue structures. The joint capsules that can be viewed in this procedure are the knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip. An arthrogram can also identify problems in the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage. While doing the procedure, the practitioner looks for cysts, abnormal joint arrangements, or differences in the functioning. He also looks to see if the joint needs replacement or if the previous knee replacement was not set properly.

Arthrograms are also called X-rays of the joint or joint radiographs. The procedure requires the joint area that has to be examined to be cleaned with an antiseptic. A local anesthetic is then injected into the area to reduce the amount of pain and discomfort. Subsequently, the practitioner will look to see if any fluids are accumulated in the joint, and if present, will suction it out with a needle. The fluids are further studied in the laboratory. The contrast medium will be injected in the place of these fluids. These contrast agents will make the area under study opaque in the X-ray, thus making them easily identifiable. The contrast mediums used in the procedure are usually air and water soluble dyes, usually containing Iodine.

Procedure to Conduct An Arthrogram

Several pictures are taken before the dye is absorbed by the joint. The patient is asked to flex the joint in different ways to capture images from several angles. The patient may experience a certain amount of discomfort due to moving in different positions and being asked to remain still while taking the picture. He may also experience tingling due to the dye that has been injected. There is no need to worry about this.

The whole procedure usually lasts up to an hour.

Sometimes, a joint is first evaluated using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This is a complex and often used medical tool. It is a diagnostic tool that uses magnetic waves. In certain cases an arthrogram is combined with an MRI for proper diagnosis. In such a case, the images of the MRI will be obtained soon after the arthrogram.