What is Arthrography? Arthrography is an x-ray procedure which visualizes the internal structures of a joint. During arthrography, a dye that contains iodine (contrast material) is injected into the joint. Arthrography is used to identify problems in the soft tissues of the joint, and can be useful in detecting tears in the tissue that connects bone to bone (ligaments) and in the sac containing the joint (joint capsule). Other soft tissues examined by arthrography include the tissue that connects bone to muscle (tendons) and tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of the bones at the joints (cartilage). Arthrography can be performed on the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, and wrist. How do I prepare for my Arthrogram? Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to iodine or x-ray contrast. If you are allergic, medication will be prescribed for you to take prior to the testing. Tell your doctor if you are, or suspect you might be pregnant. What can I expect during my Arthrogram? A registered technologist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you might have. You will be asked to lie on a fluoroscopy table in the examination room, and preliminary x-rays of your joint will be obtained. The radiologist will position you for the next phase of the arthrogram. The skin overlying your joint will be cleansed and a local anesthetic will be applied. The radiologist will insert a needle into your joint with the help of the fluoroscope. You may feel pressure or some mild discomfort. Contrast material will be injected through the needle into the joint. The joint may be injected with an iodine dye, with air, or with both (double-contrast arthrography). The needle will then be removed. You may be asked to move your joint around to help evenly distribute the contrast medium inside your joint. A series of x-rays will then be taken. In some cases, your doctor will request a CT scan or an MRI to follow your arthrogram. If an MRI will be performed, a special MRI contrast will also be injected into the joint. What will happen after my Arthrogram? You should rest your joint for tweny-four hours following your arthrogram, avoiding any strenuous activity. The contrast given for your exam will be eliminated in a day or two. Your examination will be reviewed by the radiologist after the exam has been completed.  If you choose OnSite Results, your preliminary results will be given to you before you leave our office.  Your physician will be sent a detailed final report by fax or mail.