What Is It?
An arthrogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to visualize the structures inside a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or wrist. It involves injecting a contrast material, typically a combination of a contrast dye and sometimes a small amount of air or gas, into the joint space. The contrast material helps to highlight the soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joint capsules, making them more visible on imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Arthrograms are commonly used to diagnose various joint conditions, including tears or injuries to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage, as well as abnormalities such as inflammation or joint degeneration. They can provide valuable information to help guide treatment decisions, such as surgical planning or determining the appropriate course of conservative management.
How Is It Treated?
The procedure typically begins with the patient lying on an examination table, and the skin over the joint area is cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic may be administered to numb the area. Using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, a needle is then inserted into the joint space. Once the needle is properly positioned, the contrast material is injected into the joint.
After the injection, the patient may be asked to move the joint to distribute the contrast material evenly within the joint space. This helps to ensure that all structures within the joint are adequately visualized.
What Happens After The Procedure?
Following the procedure, additional imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, may be performed to obtain detailed images of the joint and surrounding structures.
