Arthrography

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Get an Arthrogram at South Jersey Radiology

An arthrogram is performed to further evaluate the condition of a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or wrist. An arthrogram can provide additional information that a traditional CT or MRI cannot, by using X-rays to guide an injection of special dye (contrast) into the joint to see its soft tissue structures.

Your physician may suggest an arthrogram if you have been experiencing persistent and unexplained pain, discomfort, or changes in joint mobility. This study can help identify tears or other issues in the soft tissues of your joint, like ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and joint capsules. In addition, it may be recommended to check for damage from repeated dislocations, examine prosthetic joints, or find any loose particles floating around the joint.

View our available Arthrography appointments at a location near you today

Our Arthrography Locations

South Jersey Radiology provides Arthrogram across 3 of our office locations. SJRA offers evening and weekend hours with select locations offering same-day and next-day appointments to meet your busy schedule.

Locations Providing:

• Sewell (Washington Twp)

• West Deptford

• Willingboro

Arthrography Patient Reviews

South Jersey Radiology provides inviting outpatient facilities accompanied by friendly and supportive staff, making for a comfortable experience for our patients.

I highly recommend SJRA. I was there for a CT scan and everything went very smoothly – from scheduling, being seen on time, and everything being communicated to me very clearly. Everyone at this office was very friendly too!

Elizabeth

When I got there. They checked me in right away and within about 10 minutes, I was taken back to have my CT scan. The new machine they have is very fast. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. The people couldn’t have been nicer.

Jim

The service at South Jersey Radiology was well-prepared. The technologist doing the CT scan did a wonderful job making me comfortable. The instructions for the test were very clear. I always recommend them for my testing.

Marian

Excellent! Everyone was super courteous and helpful. The reception even called my doctor to get a copy of the prescription I mistakenly didn’t have, saving time and energy. They explained everything and were very professional.

I just want to say Angela, who scheduled my CT scan was excellent. She was very professional, polite, and caring while checking my insurance and making my appointment. Debbie, who did the actual test, was professional.

Pat

Very good experience from when I arrived to leaving. Check-in was seamless, and I was brought back immediately for my appointment. The nurse, Judy, along with the CT technologist went above and beyond in their desire to explain and assure I understood the procedure.

Mike

What to expect during your Arthrography

During an arthrogram, one of our radiologists will use either a special type of X-ray (called a fluoroscopy), an MRI, or a CT to examine the inside of the joint. First, you will be asked to change into a gown and lie down on a table in a private exam room. The area around your joint will be cleaned and a local anesthetic might be used to numb the area.

Then, our radiologist will gently insert a thin needle into the joint space. Through this needle, contrast dye will be injected to highlight the structures inside your joint. Lastly, images will be taken to uncover any underlying conditions such as tears or inflammation. You may experience some soreness or swelling in the joint area afterward, but will subside quickly.

Arthrography Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an Arthrogram?

During a conventional arthrogram, a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy is used along with an iodine-containing contrast material that’s injected directly into the joint. This helps doctors see the bones and joints in “real-time” X-ray images, allowing them to pinpoint any issues accurately.

For a CT arthrogram, the same iodine-based contrast material is used, but instead of fluoroscopy, a CT scan is performed to capture images. This CT scan takes X-ray pictures from different angles to create detailed cross-sectional images (slices), giving physicians a closer look at the bones and joints.

In an MR arthrogram, an MRI scan is done after injecting a contrast material called Gadolinium into the joint. This material outlines the structures within the joint, similar to the other types of arthrograms. The advantage of an MRI is that it doesn’t expose you to radiation like X-rays do, making it a safe option for imaging.

How should I prepare for an arthrogram?

Getting ready for an arthrogram is simple. Just wear loose and comfy clothes that make it easy to access the joint being checked. If your arthrogram is followed by an MRI, prepare like you would for an MRI by wearing clothes containing no metal such as zippers or belts.

Are arthrograms safe?

An arthrogram is generally safe, but with any study, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Allergic reactions to the contrast dye are rare, but it is important to let your physician and our technologist know if you had any reactions to iodine or gadolinium in the past.
• A small dose of radiation is used during the study, so if there is any chance you might be pregnant, please inform our technologist or your physician.
• If you have active arthritis or a joint infection, an arthrogram might not be suitable for you. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your physician beforehand to ensure the study is safe for you.