Arthrography

An arthrography (also called arthrogram) is a medical imaging procedure that gives healthcare providers a detailed view of what’s happening inside your joints without a single incision. Your provider may use an arthrogram to pinpoint the cause of unexplained joint pain.

A Specialist may also use arthrography to precisely deliver powerful medication, such as steroids, inside a joint. In medical term this procedure is called as Therapeutic Arthrography.

Procedure of Arthrography

Arthrography is a two-part procedure. First, a trained healthcare provider injects a special dye (called contrast) directly or indirectly into the affected joint. The dye absorbs into the joint, making tiny structures (and hard-to-detect problems) easier to see.

Next, a provider takes images of the joint. Your provider may use X-rays, CT, MRI or another type of medical imaging during an arthrogram. In some cases, your provider may take pictures of the joint before and after the dye injection.

Arthrograms evaluate the body’s joint tissues. Providers often do this procedure to evaluate your shoulder (called a shoulder arthrogram) or hip (hip arthrogram).

Your provider may recommend an Arthrography to check:

• Shoulder pain, such as from tendonitis or bursitis .
• Hip pain.
• Knee pain.
• Elbow pain, such as from tennis elbow.
• Ankle pain.
• Wrist pain.

Reason

Healthcare providers often perform arthrograms to find joint pain’s cause. Orthopedic Specialist at Shreya Hospital in Ghaziabad may recommend an arthrogram if an initial physical exam or medical tests (such as X-rays) don’t provide enough information for a diagnosis.

Your Orthopedic Surgeon may also recommend an arthrogram if you can’t easily move a joint (such as your knee or shoulder) and don’t know why. Sometimes, medical providers use arthrography to evaluate joint tissues after joint replacement surgery.

Your provider may use one or more imaging tests during your arthrogram:

• X-ray uses a small dose of radiation to take a picture of internal body structures.
• MRI uses a powerful magnet and computer technology to capture detailed, 3D pictures of joint tissues. MRI scans don’t use radiation, which is why some healthcare providers prefer it over other options.
• CT scan uses X-rays and computers to take pictures of your joint from different angles.
• Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to show real-time images of your joint structures on a computer, like watching a movie made of your X-rays.
• Ultrasound uses sound waves (no radiation) to create real-time images on a computer.