Arthrogram (Joint X-ray)

Joint X-Ray (Arthrogram)

How To Prepare

Tell your doctor before your arthrogram if you:

  • Are or might be pregnant.
  • Are allergic to any type of contrast material.
  • Are allergic to iodine. The dye used for an arthrogram may contain iodine.
  • Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.
  • Have ever had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from any substance, such as a bee sting or eating shellfish.
  • Have asthma.
  • Have bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medicines.
  • Have arthritis that is bothering you at the time of your test.
  • Have a known infection in or around your joint. The dye may make your infection worse.
  • Have diabetes or take metformin (Glucophage) for your diabetes.

You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information formClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?).


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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: April 24, 2008
Medical Review: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 Credits