Arthrogram (Joint X-ray)

Joint X-Ray (Arthrogram)

How It Is Done

An arthrogram is usually done by a doctor who specializes in interpreting X-rays (radiologist).

You will be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects from the joint area. You will then sit or lie down with your joint under an X-ray viewer (fluoroscope) that is hooked to a video screen that can show X-ray pictures. The skin over your joint is cleaned with a special soap and draped with sterile towels. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and tissues over the joint.

A needle is put into your joint area. Joint fluid may be removed so that more contrast material (such as dye or air) can be put into the joint. A sample of joint fluid may be sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope. The fluoroscope shows that the needle is placed correctly in your joint. The dye or air is then put through the needle into your joint. The joint may be injected with both dye and air (double-contrast arthrogram). The needle is then removed.

You may be asked to move your joint around to help the dye or air spread inside your joint. Pictures from the fluoroscope show if the dye has filled your entire joint. Hold as still as possible while the X-rays are being taken unless your doctor tells you to move your joint through its entire range of motion. The X-rays need to be taken quickly, before the dye spreads to other tissues around your joint.

If you are having a CT scan or MRI after an arthrogram, a small amount of a medicine called epinephrine may be mixed with the dye to stop the dye from spreading into other tissues.

An arthrogram usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

After the arthrogram, rest your joint for about 12 hours. Do not do any strenuous activity for 1 to 2 days. Use ice for any swelling and use pain medicine for any pain. If a bandage or wrap is put on your joint following an arthrogram, you will be told how long to use it.

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