What is an Arthrogram?
A joint is where two bones are attached so that part of the body can move. Sometimes a joint can be painful or have other symptoms. An arthrogram is an imaging exam of a joint using dye injected into the joint.
How is an Arthrogram done?
The clinician first cleans and numbs the skin. They use x-rays or ultrasound to guide them as they place a skinny needle through the numbed skin into the joint. Then they inject dye. They take a picture of the joint using X-ray, CT or MRI.
Arthrogram Procedure
1. The clinician numbs the skin over the joint.
2. They use x-rays or ultrasound to put a skinny needle into the joint and inject dye.
3. They remove the needle and take a picture of the joint using X-ray, CT or MRI.
What are the risks?
Arthrogram is generally a safe procedure when done by a specialist.
1-2 in 10,000 people develop an infection in the joint
3 in 100,000 people experience an allergic reaction to the dye
2 in 100,000 people have bleeding
What are the alternatives?
Alternative 1 No arthrogram. This can make it hard for your clinician to figure out what is wrong and recommend the best treatment.
Alternative 2 An imaging exam. An x-ray, CT, ultrasound or MRI may give your clinician enough information to make a diagnosis. Your clinician will discuss this with you.