Arthrography makes it possible to precisely examine the structure of a joint, shoulder, knee, elbow, etc.
This particular medical examination is always accompanied by the injection of a contrast medium into the joint.
Sometimes a biopsy or an infiltration under X-ray, US or CT guidance can also be prescribed to better diagnose or relieve a pathology.
How can I prepare for the medical imaging examination?
Because these examinations require the use of various drugs (anaesthetic, iodine, corticosteroids, etc.), questions about your history will be asked. Pregnancy and anticoagulant treatment should also be reported.
No specific preparation is required for these examinations: you can eat and drink as normal.
Arthrography examination procedure
The imaging examination is performed under US, CT or X-ray guidance. An anaesthetic may sometimes be used.
Effects related to imaging
Depending on the method used (see X-ray, US or CT).
The results of the radiological imaging examination
The results are known in several minutes. The examination is processed by the doctor responsible for your file in our radiographic imaging centre. A full report is sent to your prescribing doctor.
What is the purpose of arthrography?
Arthrography is a prepared X-ray examination that targets the joints of the body. This means that a liquid must be injected into the joint in order to make it visible and readable. This contrast medium is generally iodine-based; it serves to make the joint and its contents opaque to X-rays. The main joints examined are the shoulder and the knee, but all the other articular structures can be examined under arthrography: elbow, wrist, hip and ankle in particular.
When is arthrography used?
Arthrography is generally prescribed for recurrent joint pain, loss of mobility or recurrent dislocation. It is used to detect abnormalities, for example the presence of foreign bodies such as pieces of cartilage in the joint or an injury to the meniscus. Arthrography also makes it possible to understand the causes of recurrent shoulder dislocation, to explain the reasons for tendinitis complications, to assess a rupture of the rotator cuff, etc.
The arthrography examination is performed on the shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, elbow and ankle. This means that the radiologist can explore the joint structure, understand the interactions between bones, cartilages, ligaments, tendons and detect injuries and abnormalities.
In some cases, arthrography is supplemented with other examinations. An MRI or arthrography can also provide additional information and confirm a diagnosis. This is known as an arthro-scan or arthro-MRI.
More information on the medical imaging examination: biopsy in Geneva or infiltrations in Geneva.
More information on Medimage imaging equipment.
Learn more about the other examinations available at the Medimage centre: radiography and radiology in Geneva, MRI in Geneva (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT scan, cardiac imaging, mammogram in Geneva, ultrasound in Geneva, elastography, infiltrations in Geneva, PRP infiltrations, dental panoramic or mineralometry.
Take a look at our medical team and our radiologists.