What is an arthrogram?
An arthrogram is an x-ray of a joint. It is performed by injecting contrast dye directly into the joint. The contrast dye fills the joint and is visible during x-ray evaluation. This helps the radiologist find the cause of your joint pain and to see if surgery is needed. At the time of injection, the radiologist may also inject gadolinium into the joint which is a contrast dye used with MRI. The gadolinium contrast dye outlines additional structures within the joint, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments and allows them to be evaluated by the radiologist after additional MRI images are taken.
Before The Arthrogram
During Your Joint X-Ray
Potential Risks and Complications
- Bleeding at the procedure site
- Infection at the procedure site
- Problems due to iodine contrast, including allergic reaction or kidney damage
- Injury to an adjacent nerve, blood vessel, or muscle
After The Arthrogram
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Signs of infection at the procedure site, such as redness, swelling, or a fever.
- Bleeding from the procedure site.
- Worsening, severe pain near the procedure site.
If any further questions or complications arise and you do not know what to do, please call the radiology department at Summit Healthcare at 928-537-4375, ext. 6332.
Your results will be sent to your doctor by the following day.