Arthrogram

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• An arthrogram (r-thro-gram) is also called a contrast arthrogram or arthrography (r-thah-gruh-fee). This is a test using x-rays and fluoroscopy (flor-oss-kuh-p) to look inside a joint. Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray that shows moving pictures. An arthrogram can be done on the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, or wrist joints.
  
  
• A joint is made up of bones, synovium (sin-no-v-um), synovial (sin-no-v-ull) fluid and cartilage (kar-tih-lij). Synovium is a thin layer of tissue that covers the bones in the joint. Synovial fluid is like grease and helps the bones move smoothly. Cartilage is the tough, bendable tissue that protects bones. Ligaments (lih-guh-ments) and tendons surround the joint. Ligaments and tendons are strong tissues that hook muscles and cartilage to bones. Ligaments and tendons also support the joint and make it stronger.

Why do I need an arthrogram? Arthrograms are done for many reasons. Your caregiver may be looking for a tear in the joint. A cyst inside your joint can also be seen on an arthrogram. Or, your caregiver may be looking for damage in the joint.

How does the arthrogram work?

• A caregiver cleans the skin over the joint with soap and water. This soap may make your skin yellow, but it is cleaned off later. A shot of medicine is put into the skin over the joint. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the arthrogram but the medicine numbs the area and dulls the pain. Another needle is then put into the joint space between the bones. Fluid may be removed from the joint and sent to a lab for tests.
  
  
• A small amount of x-ray dye is put into the joint and x-rays are taken. The x-ray dye is often called contrast. It helps the needle and the joint show up better. More x-ray dye is put into the joint and the needle is removed. Or, air may be put into the joint and used as a contrast. The area is rubbed with a gauze or it may be sealed close with a glue-like liquid called collodion (kull-o-d-un). A series of x-rays are then quickly taken using fluoroscopy. You will be asked to move into many different positions while the pictures are taken. This test takes about 1 to 2 hours.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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