Arthrography
Definition
Arthrography allows radiographic examination of a joint after injection of a radiopaque dye,
air, or both (double-contrast arthrogram) to outline soft tissue structures and the contour of
the joint. The joint is put through its range of motion while a series of radiographs are taken.
Indications for arthrography include persistent unexplained joint discomfort or pain. Magnetic
resonance imaging of the joint may be used in place of this test.
Purpose
● To outline joint contour and soft tissue structures
● To evaluate persistent unexplained joint discomfort or pain
● To identify acute or chronic tears or other abnormalities of the joint capsule or
supporting ligaments of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hips, or wrist.
● To detect internal joint derangements.
● To locate synovial cysts.
● To evaluate damage from recurrent dislocations.
, Patient Preparation
1. Describe arthrography to the patient and answer any questions he may have.
Explain that this test permits examination of a joint.
2. Inform the patient that he need not restrict food and fluids.
3. Tell the patient who will perform the procedure and where it will take place.
4. Explain that the fluoroscope allows the physician to track the contrast medium as it
fills the joint space.
5. Inform the patient that standard X-ray films will also be taken after diffusion of the
contrast medium.
6. Tell the patient that, although the joint area will be anesthetized, he may experience
a tingling sensation or pressure in the joint when the contrast medium is injected.
7. Instruct the patient to remain as still as possible during the procedure, except when
following instructions to change position.
8. Stress to the patient the importance of his cooperation in assuming various
positions because films must be taken as quickly as possible to ensure optimum
quality.
9. Check the patient’s history to determine if he’s hypersensitive to local anesthetics,
iodine, seafood, or dyes used for diagnostics tests.
Definition
Arthrography allows radiographic examination of a joint after injection of a radiopaque dye,
air, or both (double-contrast arthrogram) to outline soft tissue structures and the contour of
the joint. The joint is put through its range of motion while a series of radiographs are taken.
Indications for arthrography include persistent unexplained joint discomfort or pain. Magnetic
resonance imaging of the joint may be used in place of this test.
Purpose
● To outline joint contour and soft tissue structures
● To evaluate persistent unexplained joint discomfort or pain
● To identify acute or chronic tears or other abnormalities of the joint capsule or
supporting ligaments of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hips, or wrist.
● To detect internal joint derangements.
● To locate synovial cysts.
● To evaluate damage from recurrent dislocations.
, Patient Preparation
1. Describe arthrography to the patient and answer any questions he may have.
Explain that this test permits examination of a joint.
2. Inform the patient that he need not restrict food and fluids.
3. Tell the patient who will perform the procedure and where it will take place.
4. Explain that the fluoroscope allows the physician to track the contrast medium as it
fills the joint space.
5. Inform the patient that standard X-ray films will also be taken after diffusion of the
contrast medium.
6. Tell the patient that, although the joint area will be anesthetized, he may experience
a tingling sensation or pressure in the joint when the contrast medium is injected.
7. Instruct the patient to remain as still as possible during the procedure, except when
following instructions to change position.
8. Stress to the patient the importance of his cooperation in assuming various
positions because films must be taken as quickly as possible to ensure optimum
quality.
9. Check the patient’s history to determine if he’s hypersensitive to local anesthetics,
iodine, seafood, or dyes used for diagnostics tests.
