What Is An MR Arthrogram?

An MR arthrogram is an imaging test used to examine joints (such as shoulders, hips, wrists, knees, elbows and ankles) in more detail. It helps physicians to diagnose issues with bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons within a joint.

When Might I Need An MR Arthrogram?

Arthrogram examinations must be requested by a health care practitioner on your behalf. Most commonly, an arthrogram would be performed to examine or diagnose the following conditions:
● Joint cartilage tears
● Meniscal tears after surgery
● Ligament integrity in the wrist or elbow

How Do I Prepare For The Procedure?

No specific preparation is usually required. Our team will advise you otherwise when confirming your appointment if necessary.
Please let our team know if you:
● Are (or think you might be) pregnant
● Suffer from allergies to contrast dyes, iodine, or any medications
● Have a pacemaker, hearing aid, or any other medical device

What Happens During The Procedure?

The procedure consists of two parts:

Injection

During the first part of the procedure, the skin at the injection site is numbed (frozen) using local anesthetic. A thin needle is then directed into the joint using ultrasound guidance. The entire injection procedure (explanation of the procedure, risks and benefits, setting up, performing the injection, cleaning up and putting on a small dressing) normally takes about 15-20 minutes. The joint injection itself normally takes less than a minute.

MRI

Once the injection is done, pictures of the joint will be taken using MR imaging. Sometimes during this process, if you can tolerate it, the technician may move your joint into more than one position to get a better view of joint anatomy. This normally takes between 35 to 50.

Is An Arthrogram Painful?

Most people find an MR arthrogram to be minimally uncomfortable. Normally this is at the time the local anesthetic is injected, and sometimes when the second needle reaches the joint. You may also experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the joint area which gradually goes away in the hours following the procedure.

Our Arthrogram Services

Access MRI has been providing high-quality imaging services for over 15 years. We take pride in our knowledgeable and reliable team members, our precisely maintained high field MRI equipment and our competitive prices. We aim to put you—the patient—first. For more information regarding our arthrogram services click here.
We provide the following types of arthrogram procedures: