Arthrogram

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An arthrogram is an x-ray procedure to look at one of your joints. Your joints are the places in your body where two bones meet. Your joints are surrounded by tissues such as muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Cartilage is the tough tissue that covers the ends of your bones and cushions your joints. Ligaments and tendons connect muscles and cartilage to your bones. An arthrogram is commonly done on knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, ankle, and wrist joints. You may need an arthrogram if you have joint pain, need joint surgery, or to check a prothesis (man-made joint).
  
  
• During an arthrogram, contrast dye is injected (shot) into your joint and an imaging test is done. Imaging tests include a fluoroscopy (special x-ray), computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is the most common imaging test done for this procedure. Having this procedure may help you and your caregiver learn more about your joint problem. The procedure may also help you and your caregiver decide on the best treatment for your joint pain.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Rest and ice:

Your arthrogram procedure may cause you to have increased joint pain. Resting your joint and putting ice on it may help decrease your pain. Ask your caregiver for more information about how often to apply ice.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have pain, redness, or swelling in the area where your injection was given.
  
  
• You have new numbness in the arm or leg where you had your x-ray.
  
  
• You have a new rash on your skin.
  
  
• You feel weak or dizzy.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have sudden trouble breathing.
  
  
• You just had a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your skin becomes swollen, very itchy, or feels like it is burning.
  
  
• You have skin changes such as red or dark spots, or hardened, tight skin.
  
  
• You have raised yellow spots on the whites of your eyes.
  
  
• Your joints feel stiff, or you have trouble moving your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Arthrogram (Aftercare Instructions)