Arthrogram (Joint X-ray)

Joint X-Ray (Arthrogram)

Why It Is Done

An arthrogram is used to find the cause of ongoing, unexplained joint pain, swelling, or abnormal movement of your joint. It may be done alone or before other tests, such as MRI, CT, or arthroscopy.

An arthrogram is used to:

• Find problems in your joint capsule, ligaments, cartilage (including tears, degeneration, or disease), and the bones in the joint. In your shoulder, it may be used to help find rotator cuff tears and the cause of a frozen shoulder.
• Find abnormal growths or fluid-filled cysts.
• Confirm that a needle has been placed correctly in your joint before joint fluid analysis, a test in which a sample of joint fluid is removed with a long, thin needle.
• Check needle placement before a painkilling injection, such as a corticosteroid injection.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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