Having an Arthrogram

This information should be read in conjuction with Having an MRI or Having a CT. 

What is an Arthrogram?

This is an imaging test done to get a more detailed picture of the inside of a joint - commonly the shoulder, knee, or hip. A solution (typically saline or a contrast agent) is injected into the joint before the MRI or CT scan. 

Please allow at least an hour for the combined procedure.

What happens during the Arthrogram?

• Once checked in you will be asked to change into a gown and taken to have the injection completed before the scan.
• A Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in Imaging procedures) will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have; you will then be asked to sign a consent form.
• The injection part of your test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, the injection into your affected joint is carried out under sterile conditions by the Radiologist.
  • The skin around your joint area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and this area will be covered with a sterile sheet. 
  • A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area, and a fine needle will then be introduced into the joint using X-rays to guide it into the correct place.
  • Fluid will be injected into the joint and the needle will be removed. 
  • Following the injection of the fluid you will be taken directly to the MRI or CT scan department to undergo the scan of your joint.

 Are there any special preparations required?

• You may eat and drink normally and continue to take your usual medication.
• If you have been sent a safety questionnaire with your appointment letter, please fill it in and follow the instructions in the appointment letter and questionnaire.
• You must not drive for the remainder of the day, please make alternative travel arrangements to get home after. For your own wellbeing we advise that you are collected by a relative or friend. Hospital transport can only be booked if there is a medical need and you meet the set criteria. 

 Are there any side effects?

• There may be a tight feeling in your joint for a short while and your joint may feel stiff. You may also notice some soreness as the anaesthetic wears off. Routine pain relief should help to ease the pain.
• If you are employed in a particularly heavy or physical job it is advisable that you do not return to work immediately. You will be given advice by the Radiologist at the time of your test. 
• You may notice some mild bruising to the area, if this does not show signs of improvement after a few days it is recommended that you contact your GP.

 Are there any risks?

• An arthrogram is a common examination and has little risk. However, there may be a small risk of infection being introduced into the joint.
• If you have any problems after the examination such as joint pain that persists for one or two days, please attend your nearest Emergency Department.
• There are some small risks involved with the use of X-rays but only the minimum amount of radiation is used to produce the images required. We all receive radiation naturally over our lifetimes and the dose received from an arthrogram is similar to the natural background radiation we receive from the environment over a period of 2-3 weeks.
• The X-rays will let the doctor place the fluid into the correct place inside your joint so that the MRI arthrogram can give useful information about your condition. The benefit of having the X-ray far outweighs the tiny radiation dose you will receive.

 After your scan

• You can return home immediately after your scan, however you must not drive for the remainder of the day.
• A Radiologist will review the scan and issue a report. 
• The images and results will be forwarded to the consultant in charge of your care.
• Your consultant will send you an appointment to discuss the results of the scan.

More information 

Imaging Department - 0121 812 3370 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are unable to keep your appointment it is important that you let us know as soon as you can on the contact details provided above. Failure to inform us may mean that you will not be sent a further appointment in the future.