WHAT IS ARTHROGRAPHY?

Arthrography is a type of medical imaging used to view the inside of a joint.

REASON FOR THE PROCEDURE?

Arthrographic images may be requested by your physician to evaluate changes in the structure or function of a joint, to locate the source of pain and to determine if treatment is needed, including arthroscopy, open surgery or joint replacement.

THE PROCEDURE

At Excel Imaging, your Esse Health Radiologist will apply a local anesthetic to the area then slowly inject contrast dye directly into the joint using Fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to guide the needle to the correct location. The injection process takes about 30 minutes. Next, a series of images are taken using MRI (an imaging procedure that uses a large magnet and radio waves). The MRI may take an additional 30-45 minutes to complete. Along with Arthrography, a therapeutic injection may be given containing medications that decrease joint-related pain or inflammation and provide physicians additional information about the possible sources of joint pain.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

There is a risk of bleeding and infection at the injection site. Side effects include headache, temporary numbness, weakness, facial flushing, and rarely, neural injury. You may experience soreness for the next 24 hours after the procedure.