An Arthrogram is an injection of contrast (dye) and anesthetic into a joint. It is a diagnostic test that looks at joints. A radiologist will administer contrast directly into the joint of interest under fluoroscopic guidance to better visualize certain structures during a CT or MR scan.
Arthrograms are guided by a live x-ray (fluoroscopy) and the location is confirmed with x-ray contrast (dye).
Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please do arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You may be instructed to change into a gown for your procedure.
You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the pre MRI/CT Arthrogram.
Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be asked to lay down on the exam table on your back exposing the joint of interest. The targeted area will be cleaned and sterilized. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, fluoroscopy will be used in real-time to guide the injection. Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray imaging. The Radiologist will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area, followed by the contrast and deep anaesthetic into the joint.
Following your injection, you will be directed to the CT or MRI scanner for the remainder of your appointment.
MRI/CT Arthrograms are a diagnostic tool that help the radiologist better visualize structures on the MR or CT scan. Our radiologist do inject freezing into the joint so you may feel temporary relief for 1-8 hours.
This procedure is performed using a sterile technique, very rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding.
disruption. If you experience these side effects, they will resolve on their own over the course of the week.
Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally.
You can perform your normal daily activities but avoid strenuous activities for the next 3-4 days following the treatment.
* CT of the abdomen/pelvis can help diagnose disease of the internal organs, blood vessels, stomach, small bowel, and skeleton of the abdomen/pelvic region
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please
contact us. We look forward to supporting your journey to better health.
Dr. Clerk is a radiologist and fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with a wide array of experience in both interventional pain management and diagnostic imaging. In addition to providing expert patient care, Dr. Clerk places utmost importance on building a compassionate practice that recognizes patients as people, not numbers.
When you choose Beam, you can be confident that Dr. Clerk will stay with you throughout your care journey and help you make smart decisions about your pain and imaging needs.
Université de Sherbrooke
Medical School
Université de Sherbrooke
Residency | Diagnostic Radiology
Harvard Medical School
Fellowship | Neuroradiology
The Spine Fracture Institute
Fellowship | Interventional Pain Management