Arthrogram Procedure: What to Expect and How It Works

An arthrogram is used to determine the root cause of joint pain or mobility problems. These tests can also check for cracks in the ligaments, tendons, cartilage of your joints, and dislocated joints or bones that cause pain. If you have had any joint surgery and have any joints that have been implanted from outside, the artificial limb can be seen through an arthrogram test.

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The exact procedure for an arthrogram will depend on whether you have the test in an outpatient clinic or a hospital. Overall health factors also play a role. However, some common steps are part of every arthrogram procedure. which consists of-

• You Will Need To Wear A Hospital Gown And Remove Any Jewelry, Piercings, And Other Metal Items Worn On Your Body.
• You Will Be Asked To Lie Down On A Table For The Technician To Perform The Imaging Test.
• The Technician Will Clean The Skin Around The Affected Joint With An Antiseptic.
• You Will Be Given An Injection Into The Joint To Numb The Area. Due To This You Will Not Feel Pain During The Procedure. This First Injection May Be Uncomfortable.
• Using A Needle And Syringe, The Technician Will Remove Fluid That Has Accumulated In Your Joint.
• They Will Then Inject Contrast Dye Into Your Joint Using A Long And Thin Needle. Most People Feel Pressure And Discomfort When The Dye Is Injected, But Not Much Pain.
• You May Be Asked To Move Your Joint To Help The Contrast Dye Spread Across The Joint. This Is Important Because The Contrast Dye Is What Creates Clear Images.
• Once The Dye Has Spread, The Technician Will Take An X-ray. X-rays Will Be Taken Several Times In Different Ways.
• After An X-ray, The Doctor May Also Conduct A Fluoroscopy, Mri Scan Or Ct Scan.

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There are two types of arthrograms: a Direct Arthrogram and an Indirect Arthrogram. During a direct arthrogram, contrast dye is injected directly into your joint. During an indirect arthrogram, dye is injected into your bloodstream near the affected joint. It is then absorbed by your blood vessels and carried to the joints. Apart from this, other tests can also be done after arthrogram like -

• Fluoroscopy – Fluoroscopy is a special type of X-ray that makes video or moving images of the inside of the body. This type of imaging allows the technician to view structures in real time.
• MRI scan – MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create computer-generated images of the inside of your body. MRI can see organs and cartilage that X-rays cannot. this
• CT scan – A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create 3D computer images of the inside of your body.

The imaging procedure will depend on the type of arthrogram you need and how many tests are performed. The doctor will tell you about the arthrogram and the technician will tell you about the time it takes.

Arthrogram is considered very safe. However, like all procedures, there are risks involved such as:

• Pain and swelling at the contrast injection site – It is normal to feel a little pain after a contrast injection into the joint, but swelling, redness, and pain may be a sign of infection or an allergic reaction to the dye. If you are experiencing these symptoms contact your doctor immediately. This can also happen if there is excessive bleeding.
• Anxiety, nervousness, or claustrophobia – Getting tested can be stressful for some people and may cause mental or emotional distress. This may be caused by needles, radiation, or loud noises. If you are nervous about having imaging tests ordered, tell your doctor beforehand. You may be given a one-time-use medication to help reduce anxiety and make the arthrogram manageable.
• Risk of repeated radiation – Many imaging tests involve exposure to radiation, but the amount of radiation during an The risk of diseases may increase.

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Who Should Have An Arthrogram?
Arthrogram is done for joint pain, but it is not safe in all cases. If you have the following problems then you should avoid it like -

• If There Is Any Infection In The Joints
• Arthritis
• Pregnant Women

Arthritis can be diagnosed through blood tests and X-rays or MRI. If you are pregnant but the reason for your arthrogram is an emergency, special precautions may be taken.

How Long Does It Take For The Report To Arrive?
In most cases, it will take a day or two to get the results of your arthrogram. After the test report comes, your doctor will tell you all the treatment methods.

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An arthrogram is an imaging test that uses contrast, a dye-like fluid, to see the joints in more detail. An arthrogram may include an X-ray, MRI scan, or CT scan, and more. Your doctor may order several imaging tests. Arthrograms are often used to investigate the causes of joint pain and mobility problems. The test can identify joint dislocations or soft tissue tears and check the condition of artificial joints after surgery.