Arthrograms are a diagnostic tool performed in conjunction with MRI, CT or X-ray to evaluate joints. This procedure involves a contrast injection into the joint that enhances the visualization of structures and aids the evaluation of joint abnormalities, such as cartilage tears and other injuries.
Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When iodine is injected into the joint space, it coats the inner lining of the joint structures and appears bright white on an arthrogram, allowing the radiologist to assess the anatomy and function of the joint.
How does the procedure work?
X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special digital image recording plate.
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous x-ray beam to create a sequence of images that are projected onto a fluorescent screen, or television-like monitor. When used with a contrast material, which clearly defines the area being examined by making it appear bright white, this special x-ray technique makes it possible for the physician to view internal organs in motion. Still images are also captured and stored either on film or electronically on a computer.
Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible and are sometimes compared to current x-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.
The procedure is most often used to identify abnormalities within the:
- shoulder
- wrist
- hip
- knee
- ankle
The procedure is also used to help diagnose persistent, unexplained joint pain or discomfort.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I expect?
After local anesthetic, the radiologist will insert a needle into the joint using X-ray guidance and inject contrast material. If needed for further diagnosis, you will be taken to the CT or MRI machines for more images.
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What happens after the procedure?
You may resume normal daily activities with the exception of athletic activities, which should be avoided for 24 hours. Athletes should consult their coach or trainer prior to resuming practice. You may experience minor discomfort and swelling of the joint for a day or two after the arthrogram. You may treat the pain with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil or Tylenol.
A few patients may have allergic reaction from the contrast material. Please inform the technologist prior to your exam if you have any known allergy to x-ray contrast or MRI contrast.
Infection of the joint is a rare but serious complication of arthrography and requires treatment with antibiotics. If you have symptoms of pain, swelling, red skin or fever three or more days after the arthrogram, please contact the facility to speak to the radiologist or a member of the radiology nursing staff.
Gregory C. Hinn, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- Medical Director, Musculoskeletal Imaging at Rex Hospital
- Medical Director, MRI at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- MD, Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University
- Resident in radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
- Fellowship in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
- Musculoskeletal radiologist for the North Carolina State University Athletic Department.
- Raised in North Carolina
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1995
Tracey E. O’Connell, MD
Musculoskeletal & Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- BA, University of Colorado at Boulder
- MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Native of California
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention and abdominal imaging including MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001
Gintaras E. Degesys, MD
Musculoskeletal & Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- BA with high honors, Kenyon College
- MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Internship and chief resident, Northwestern University
- Fellowship in interventional and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifi cations in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Native of Ohio
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, breast intervention, and abdominal imaging and intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002
Steven R. Carter, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BS, University of Virginia
- MS, Medical College of Virginia
- MD, Medical College of Virginia
- Internship in internal medicine, MCV
- Chief resident, diagnostic radiology, Emory University
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging, Emory University
- Member, American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America
- Musculoskeletal radiologist for the Carolina Hurricanes
- Native of Richmond, Virginia
Expertise in musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005
Joshua B. Mitchell, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BA, University of Virginia
- MD, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
- Internship, Medical University of South Carolina
- Chief resident, Medical University of South Carolina
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, University of Florida
- Member, Society of Skeletal Radiology
- Member, American College of Radiology
- Member, American Roentgen Ray Society
- Member, Radiological Society of North America
- Member, Association of University Radiologist
- Member, North Carolina Medical Society
- Native of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2007
Jeffrey Browne, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- Medical Director of CT for Rex Hospital
- BS, Boston College
- MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- Internship, St. Raphael’s Hospital
- Residency, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America and American Roetgen Ray Society.
- Native of Connecticut
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
Jason R. Harris, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, Brigham Young University
- MD, Harvard Medical School
- Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
- Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
- Native of California
Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
No special preparation is necessary before arthrography. Food and fluid intake do not need to be restricted.
You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to barium or iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
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