Radiology Group | Fluoroscopic X-ray

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Arthrography is a specialized fluoroscopic x-ray that identifies abnormalities associated with the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Arthrography may also explain the reason for persistent, unexplained joint pain or discomfort. It also provides information about a joint's functionality or indicate a need for a joint replacement.

Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray "movie." It allows your Radiologist to view an area of interest in "real" time as an x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined and transmitted to a TV-like monitor. Contrast material or "dye" is injected into the joint, making it a very bright, white image on the TV-like monitor.

Contrast is a solution that is injected into your joint(s) and appears very bright white on a fluoroscopic image.

Wear comfortable clothing you can easily change out of
Avoid wearing jewelry
Bring someone to drive you home or to your next appointment.

For the examination you will lie on a table where the affected joint will be examined. Conventional x-ray images of your joint may be obtained for comparison with a fluoroscopic arthrogram, a "real-time" moving x-ray on a TV-like monitor.

The Radiologist will insert a small needle into the skin around the joint and inject a local anesthetic. You will feel a stinging sensation for a few seconds before the area becomes numb. Next, the radiologist inserts a needle through the numbed skin and into the joint space. If the fluoroscopic image on the monitor indicates that the needle is properly placed within the joint, contrast material is injected into the joint space. There may be brief periods of discomfort, pressure, or a feeling of "fullness" as the joint is being filled. After contrast material is injected into the joint, a series of "real-time" moving x-rays or arthrograms are obtained before the joint tissue absorbs the contrast material. (If an MRI scan needs to be performed instead of x-rays, you will be assisted to the MRI area for further imaging.)

The length of time required for a fluoroscopic x-ray of a joint depends upon the area being examined (i.e., shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankle). It can take 30 to 45 minutes from the time you enter the fluoroscopic suite until you leave. The actual procedure time may be 15 to 20 minutes. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

After the procedure, you can expect some tenderness in the joint. You may resume "normal" activities, but should refrain from intense physical exercise or use of the joint that was examined. You may take analgesics prescribed or suggested by your physician, taking into account your medical condition.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

Arthrogram patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com

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