Arthrogram: how the examination is performed

Arthrogram in Paris

What is arthrogram?

Arthrogramm is an examination that combines two successive examinations.

The first stage consists of inject contrast medium into a joint under radiographic guidance.
The second stage consists of have a CT scan to better analyze the structures that may be responsible for the pain to know menisci, cartilage and ligaments.

Why have an arthrogram?

An arthrogramm is a medical imaging technique that provides a precise view of tendons, ligaments and cartilage. There are many ways in which joints can deteriorate. You can fracture a bone, wear down cartilage or tear a ligament. Sometimes, standard imaging, such as an X-ray, doesn't show enough detail to pinpoint the problem.

This is when you may need an arthroscanner.

How the procedure is done ?

It is a powerful tool for researching and identifying the causes of joint pain. A fine needle is used to inject an iodized liquid into a joint. The radiologist may also use the same needle to inject a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid infiltration. X-rays are then taken to show the contents of the joint. The arthrography is immediately supplemented by a CT scan of the joint, which will enable the lesion to be diagnosed.

Why have an arthroscanner?

We give you an arthroscanner to check the joint problems, such that :

The world of medical imaging has made significant strides in diagnosing and understanding the human body. As one of these technologies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers detailed images of internal structures without requiring invasive procedures. In this article, we discuss the crucial role of lumbar spine MRI in diagnosing conditions affecting the lower back. joint pain that you can't explain
A feeling of abnormality in your joint
Difficulty moving the joint

These arthrograms are produced for a variety of indications, including :

Labyrinth tears after shoulder dislocation
Hip labrum tear
Partial-thickness tendon tear
Ligament tear partial thickness
Hand ligament tear
Tendon tear repaired
Meniscus tear repaired
Pain relief
Surgical planning

Some common reasons for arthroscanning :

shoulder when the joint is unstable, or if a simple ultrasound or MRI scan has not shown any suspicion of tendon tear.
the hip - to show all labrum cartilage tear (or joint edge).
the wrist - to highlight any small ligament tears wrist.

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Arthroscanner RDV

Make an appointment for an arthrogram at one of our centers:

Scanner Bachaumont 75002

Scanner Pôle Santé Bergère 75009

Scanner Blomet 75015

Make an appointment on Doctolib

But how are these different examinations carried out?

Ankle arthrogram

A ankle arthrogram is indicated for exploring intra-articular damage of the ankle, in particular to detect osteochondral lesions of the talar dome, evaluate cartilage lesions and detect intra-articular foreign bodies. The examination is performed by injecting a contrast medium into the ankle to opacify the joint. During the procedure, cortisone infiltration may be performed at the same time.

Arthrogram of the shoulder

A shoulder arthroscanner is useful for the analysis of rotator cuff tendon fissures. It is generally a second-line assessment after MRI or ultrasound, and is requested before surgery for a precise study of the topography of the fissure and its extension, and to study the state of the rotator cuff muscles.

A shoulder arthrogram is particularly useful for instability assessments, enabling us to evaluate the high insertion of the biceps (looking for SLAP lesions) and the state of the glenoid bulge, particularly after shoulder dislocation.

The examination is indicated in cases of suspected omarthrosis to study the cartilage or look for intra-articular cartilage fragments.

Arthrogram of the wrist

An arthrogramm of the wrist is the reference examination for the study of wrist ligament and cartilage damage. After trauma and in cases of suspected secondary carpal instability, arthrogram to find a arthrosis of the wrist and a ligament rupture of the carpus (scapholunate or lunotriquetral). The examination is also useful after a scaphoid fracture complicated by pseudarthrosis.

The examination is performed in two parts. The first part, called the arthrographic phase, involves injecting a contrast medium into the wrist. Between 1 and 3 injections are required to opacify all the wrist's joints and compartments.

The second part consists of a CT scan of the opacified wrist.

Duration

The entire procedure takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

What are the advantages of an arthrogram?

Injecting a contrast agent into the joint improves the quality of MRI or CT scans for show more precisely the lesions of the internal structure of the joint.