Understanding Arthrography
An arthrogram is sometimes conducted as a sole diagnostic test. If the site and nature of the injury can be decidedly determined, the diagnostic course of action may end at this point. In other cases, arthrography can be the first stage of a diagnostic process that may also include CT or MRI scans.
Procedure Preparation
There is virtually no preparation for this procedure. In fact, you might decide to proceed with this procedure during your initial appointment. The arthrogram procedure will be completely explained to you prior to your determination to proceed. If possible, please bring any previous imaging study results (MRI, CT, x-rays), films, reports, or CD-ROMs, to your initial appointment. If you do not have current images, the doctor may refer you to have them completed prior to the arthrogram. If the arthrogram is performed on either ankle, you will not be able to drive a car. Travel by taxi or subway will be acceptable. For all other arthrograms, assistance will not be required. You should notify your doctor if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant. Please be prepared to discuss any medications that you are currently on with your physician. It may be advisable to bring your medications with you to your initial appointment.
What to Expect During The Procedure
A thin needle is used to inject an x-ray contrast solution into the joint. The needle may cause a little discomfort, but for most patients, this discomfort is minor. The Doctor will guide the needle position utilizing x-ray-guidance (fluoroscopy). Using x-ray guidance assures the most exactprecise positioning. Additional x-rays will be taken after the dye is injected into the joint. An additional procedure, the injecting of an anesthetic (numbing medicine) and/or steroid may be done at the same time. The Anthrography takes about 20 minutes.
What To Expect After The Arthrogram
There is very little down time after this procedure. Many patients return to work the same day. You may experience some soreness at the injection site for up to 24 hours after the arthrogram.The joint area may be more painful than usual beginning 4-6 hours after the procedure, but the discomfort will gradually decrease over the next day or two. You can alleviate pain with over-the-counter pain medicines such as: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, oraspirin. The joint should return to its usual mobility and level of pain by the second or third day. Until then, it is perfectly acceptable to perform light tasks.
Possible side effects
Although side effects from an arthrogram are very rare, your physician should review any possibilities with you in advance of your procedure. Possible side effects include facial flushing, occasional low-grade fevers, hiccups, insomnia, headaches, water retention, increased appetite, increased heart rate, and abdominal cramping or bloating. These side effects occur in less than 5% of patients and usually disappear within 1-3 days after theinjection. If you experience any side effects, patients should call your physician.
NY Spine Medicine in New York City, treat patients suffering from many types of acute and chronic painful conditions including back pain, pain management., neck pain, sciatica, and others. Dr. Douglas Schottenstein is 1 of only 200 doctors in the US who is double-board certified in neurology and interventional pain management.
