Arthrography is a special kind of x-ray. It uses a contrasting dye to see the insides of the joints of the shoulders, wrists, and ankles. The dye used is iodine. This process is also known as fluoroscopy.
X-rays are the oldest form of medical imaging. Fluoroscopy was discovered a little later, but its benefit is that we can see the joint in motion. The iodine enters the body and into the joint space, to form an inner lining in the joint. This allows the radiologist to clearly see if there are any structural differences in the joint or bones. The parts of the joint lined with iodine appear bright white in color.
Some of the common uses of arthograms are that they help the doctor to assess if there are differences or alterations in the structure of the bones, causing alterations in the functioning of the particular joint. It will help the physician to determine if a particular treatment is required or if a corrective surgery is required for the patient.
A person generally goes in for an arthography when he experiences discomfort in any particular joint or continuous pain in the area. An arthogram is generally done in the shoulder, knee, ankle or wrist joints.
Wrist arthrograms are used to assess carpel instability which is caused by trauma. The procedure is used to see if there is any undue connection between the radio carpal, mid carpal and distal radial-ulnar joints.
The procedure is done with the elbow flexed perpendicular to the body with the palm in neutral position. The three major joints—the radio, mid, and distal radial-ulnar joints are all injected with fluoroscopic fluid to make an accurate assessment of the joint and treatment needed.
Before a patient goes in for this test, he/she should inform the doctor of any allergies that he/she has to any Barium products, any illnesses of late, and any medication he/she is on. If the patient is pregnant or suspecting pregnancy, she should inform the doctor so that the necessary care can be taken.
In this procedure, a series of x-ray beams are used so as to give a continuous image of the joint. The patient need not get admitted for this procedure. It does not usually take more than half an hour for the fluoroscopy to be performed. The fluoroscopy is usually compared to a series of x-rays that have also been taken at the time or just before the procedure.