Musculoskeletal Imaging & Interventional Services: Special Procedures

Special Procedures: Arthrography

Arthrography is a technique where a needle is placed into a joint and medications or contrast is delivered. It is done using x-ray guidance with a fluoroscope by our musculoskeletal radiologists. Before a needle is placed into the joint, the overlying skin will be cleaned thoroughly, much like a surgeon prepares the skin surface before surgery. Subsequently, anesthetic is placed under the skin to help numb the area prior to placing the actual needle into the joint. Arthrography may be performed to help deliver medication such as steroids and anesthetic for local pain relief from arthritis. It may also help your doctor with pinpointing pain that is difficult to localize, but may be related to a joint. In this manner, arthrography is may be used both for diagnosis and therapy. Another role for arthrography is to obtain fluid from a joint, particularly if your doctor is concerned about a joint infection. Finally arthrography may be used in conjunction with CT or MRI to allow an even more detailed assessment of the inside of a joint than can be seen without arthrography. Prior to your CT or MRI, contrast is administered directly into the joint.

Our arthrograms are performed by our experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Although some physicians may perform these procedures at the bedside in the office, the use of x-rays ensures that the joint is accurately and safely accessed under imaging guidance.

X-ray arthrography, CT arthrography, MR arthrography.

No preparation is required, but alert your doctor if you are allergic to contrast agents used for CT or MRI, or if you have any implantable devices which are not MRI compatible including cardiac pacemakers. If you are having a steroid and anesthetic injection, it may be helpful to keep a log of your pain before and after the procedure, so that your doctor may have a better idea of how to manage your pain. Please check with your doctor before hand to review your allergies, medications, and medical conditions. If you are on any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders, please discuss these with your physician beforehand. The risks of arthrography are very low, however complications include but are not limited to: bleeding, infection, nerve and vessel damage, and allergic reactions. After your arthrogram, you should expect to have some soreness at the injection site for several days and up to a week. If you are having any symptoms after your procedure including increasing pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, fevers, or chills, you should contact your doctor or local emergency room, as these may be signs of one of the rare complications discussed above.