Join Our Team

Arthrogram

Get an arthrogram at Touchstone Medical Imaging

An arthrogram is performed to get more detailed information about your joints than a traditional CT or MRI can provide.

How It Works

An arthrogram uses X-rays to guide and evaluate the injection of contrast directly into the joint to outline the internal soft tissue structures. After the injection, an MRI or CT may be required to obtain more information from the scan.

Find A Touchstone Imaging center offering Arthrogram appointments near you!

Reasons for Arthrogram

Your physician may order an arthrogram on a joint that has been persistent and unexplained pain, discomfort, loss of motion, or changes in the way the joint function. An arthrogram may also be ordered to:

  • Identify tears or other problems in the joint’s soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and joint capsules
  • Assess for damage from repeated dislocations of the joint
  • Check prosthetic joints
  • Find loose bodies in the joint

An arthrogram is commonly used to examine the knee, hip, and shoulder joints, but may also be used to look at other joints, such as the ankle, wrist, or elbow. The results will aid your doctor in determining which treatment option, or surgery, would be best for you.

Woman with should pain needs a CT

Patient Reviews

Our patients say it best. Touchstone Imaging provides welcoming, comforting outpatient facilities with friendly and helpful staff.

Front office staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Technician was absolutely wonderful. Extremely friendly, kept me informed during the entire process of what she was doing and what would be happening next.
Tina J.
I had to take my 11-year-old in for an MRI of his knee. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a medical office in a long time. Everyone was friendly, informative, and professional.
Jodi E.
I had to get a brain MRI back in November. The check in process was fast and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long before being taken to the back to get prepped for my procedure. The staff made me feel at ease and the environment is very calming and tranquil. The MRI tech checked on me constantly during the procedure and kept me informed as to which part of the exam we are completing. I can’t remember her name but she was very nice and pleasant. If I ever have to get another diagnostic test, I will be returning here.
Brian V.
Everyone was excellent! I was acknowledged and welcomed when I entered the building. Front staff were professional and courteous when discussing paperwork. Friendly smiles. My technician impressed me as being highly trained in her field. Her personal and professional skills are awesome. Enjoyed something I wasn’t looking forward to.
Evangelina B.
Friendly staff. I called and got an appointment that fit my schedule. Quick check in. Relatively short wait time compared to a lot of medical facilities. The technician was friendly, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable. I was out in less than an hour.
Wendy B.
Great place, people, and atmosphere was awesome. The guy that brought me to the back had me laughing the whole way. They checked in on me a few times in the MRI machine to make sure I was doing ok and it made me feel more comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone needing an MRI done.
Jon C.
Previous
Next

Choose accurate imaging and convenient service with Touchstone

Touchstone Medical Imaging provides Arthrogram imaging at up to 60% less than the cost of hospital-based imaging. Many locations offer extended and weekend hours, with same day and next day appointment options, to meet your busy schedule. Touchstone provides imaging services in a compassionate environment with convenient, easy to access locations in a compassionate environment, where our technologists will guide you seamlessly through your appointment. You can be confident that our team of fellowship-trained, subspecialty radiologists will give your doctors the clarity they need to help make a diagnosis.

Arthrogram Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an arthrogram?

A conventional arthrogram uses a special form of X-ray called fluoroscopy and an iodine-containing contrast material that is injected directly into the joint. Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see the bones and joints on “real-time” X-ray images.

CT arthrogram uses the same iodine-based contrast material as a conventional arthrogram; however, a CT scan is performed to obtain the images. The CT uses X-ray pictures taken from multiple different angles to create cross-sectional images – known as slices – of the bones and joints.

MR arthrogram uses an MRI scan after injecting the contrast material, called Gadolinium, into the joint. This contrast material also outlines the structures within the joint, same as with the other forms of arthrogram, allowing the radiologist on the cross-sectional MRI images. Unlike other imaging techniques that use X-Rays, an MRI does not expose patients to the potentially harmful effects of radiation.

How should I prepare for an arthrogram?

An Arthrogram generally does not require any special preparation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to the joint being examined. If it is being followed by an MRI, you should prepare the same way you would for that exam by dressing in clothes without any metal snaps or zippers.

Are arthrograms safe?

An arthrogram is a safe procedure. As with any procedure, there are potential risks:
– An allergic reaction to the contrast dye is rare as it is injected into the joint. Please notify your physician and our technologist if you have any history of allergic reactions to Iodine.
– X-Ray radiation is part of the exam. As such, please notify our technologist if you may be pregnant to reduce potential radiation exposure.
– An arthrogram is not recommended for people with active arthritis or joint infections.

*Some or all of the health care providers performing services at Touchstone Imaging are independent contractors and are not Touchstone’s agents or employees. Independent contractors are responsible for their own actions, and Touchstone shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such independent contractors.