Presentation
Discomfort in groin when exercising. For MRA.
Patient Data
The stack of images shows a 22G 90mm Quincke needle targeting the superolateral aspect of the femoral neck. Iodinated contrast extends to surround the femoral neck within the hip joint.
Post-injection image after the needle has been removed which shows the expected appearance, with iodinated contrast filling the hip joint. 10mL of arthrogram injectate was given in total.
Case Discussion
An 'eye of a needle' technique was used during this procedure. This involves inserting the needle in line with the x-ray beam and it will often appear as a dot if perfectly aligned or as it's shown in this case, the hub is slightly off-centre from the tip. Due to the projection, the needle appears short, despite being 90mm long.
Different volumes of arthrogram injectate should be used in different joints, a total volume of 10mL was used for this MRI hip arthrogram injection.
Further reading available in Arthrogram (MRI).