An arthrogram (or arthrography) is a commonly performed procedure in musculoskeletal radiology, which can refer to both an injection into a joint, and cross-sectional imaging after a joint is injected.
Indications
Arthrograms are performed for a variety of indications including:
- labral tear after shoulder dislocation
- hip labral tears
- partial-thickness tendon tears
- partial-thickness ligament tears
- hand ligament tears
- retear of repaired tendon
- retear of repaired meniscus
- pain relief
- surgical planning
Arthrogram injections
Three main categories of injections are performed:
-
MR arthrogram
- a detailed assessment of intra-articular structures
- provides excellent soft-tissue contrast and edema patterns
- in older patients may not be necessary as labral tears and arthropathy are common
-
CT arthrogram
- can give a detailed assessment of intra-articular structures
- an alternative in those who can not have an MRI
- involves radiation and soft tissue contrast less than MRI
-
anesthetic arthrogram
- performed for therapeutic and/or diagnostic reasons
- provide image-guided intra-articular injections
- excess use of corticosteroid and local anesthetics could cause chondral loss
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