MR Arthrography

By ferociousdigital | May 23, 2023

MR Arthrography

Specializing in MR Arthrography Testing on Long Island

To further aid today's sophisticated imaging techniques, arthrograms add a benefit of providing more information about the complex anatomical structures of joints. Our musculoskeletal team of radiologists and technologists are highly skilled at MR arthrography, a specialized test for studying joints utilizing MRI and an injection of a contrast agent. We currently perform MR arthrograms at our Massapequa, Stony Brook, and Smithtown East locations.

What is MR Arthrography?

MR Arthrography, or an MR Arthrogram, is a contrast-enhanced study used to visualize the interior of joints in a very detailed way. An arthrogram helps us diagnose problems with the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons within a joint. Arthrograms are especially useful for determining the cause of unexplained joint pain.

During the exam, contrast material (gadolinium based) is injected directly into the joint. The fluid expands the joint and provides a better view of the internal structures. Joint injections are done immediately before the MRI exam using fluoroscopic guidance.

When is MR Arthrography recommended?

An arthrogram may be recommended to help determine the extent of damage from an injury or an orthopedic condition, and to help determine if surgery is required. It may also be useful for an orthopedic surgeon to provide visualization of the interior details of a joint. Arthrograms are used to evaluate complex problems in a variety of joints, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.

What are the benefits of MR Arthrography?

Minimally invasive method for doctors to evaluate the interior of a joint.
May replace the need for surgical exploration of a joint.
Provides surgeons with more detailed information about the joint prior to surgery, helping to improve the outcome and shorten the length of recovery.
No ionizing radiation used in MRI exams.
MR arthrography may be able to visualize some structures better than other joint imaging methods.

How Do I Prepare for an MR Arthrogram?

If you are receiving IV CONTRAST for your exam, have nothing to eat 1 hour prior to your exam time. You may drink clear liquids (example: water, ginger ale, apple juice).

Because the MRI system uses a very powerful magnet, there are many items that cannot be brought into the exam room. Although a private locker will be provided, it is best to leave certain items at home or with someone during your MRI exam, including:

Cell phones, pagers, iPads, or any other electronic device
Credit cards, driver’s license, and any other card with a magnetic strip
Loose change
Bobby pins, safety pins or any other item with metallic pieces
Any loose metallic items on clothing or body
Glasses, hearing aids and items such as TENS Units will not be able to go into the exam room, but can be worn until just before entering the MRI room

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes, such as a sweatsuit. Be sure there are no metal zippers, snaps or buckles. Do not wear earrings, hairpins, or jewelry. Do not apply eye shadow or mascara.

This exam may not be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clips or a metallic hearing implant. If you are a sheet metal worker or have ever had metal fragments in your eye(s), an orbit x-ray will be taken prior to your MRI exam.

What Happens During an MR Arthrogram?

After checking in, you will be escorted to a changing room and locker for your belongings, if needed. Remember, absolutely no metal can go in the MRI room.
You will then meet the staff that will be performing your arthrogram. We will review the screening questionnaire and the procedure with you, answering any questions you may have.
We will use fluoroscopy imaging to help guide the needle to the right spot in your joint. The contrast agent will expand the joint and enhance the detail on the MRI image.
The area being injected is cleansed with antiseptic and a sterile drape placed around the injection site. Using a small needle, your technologist will inject local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, a larger needle will be used to inject the contrast material.
Medication, such as steroids, may be injected into the joint during the exam for treatment purposes. Sometimes for pain relief.
Next be placed on a moveable exam table which may have straps or bolsters to help keep your body from moving.
Special coils that enhance the MRI signal will be placed near the parts of the body to be examined.
The technologist will leave the MRI room where you are and conduct the exam from a computer in a control room. You will be able to speak with the technologist at all times. The technologist has direct visualization of you and the room. They will keep you informed of what is happening as your exam progresses.
When the procedure begins, the table moves you into the magnet, which is a cylinder-shaped machine.
When the images are being taken, you will hear loud knocking, tapping or thumping sounds. Earplugs or headphones with music are provided before the test begins.
In rare cases, some patients experience side effects from the contrast material, such as nausea or headache. If you experience any discomfort, let the technologist know.

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Why Choose Zwanger Pesiri?

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology brings world-class expertise to the Long Island community. Our subspecialty-trained radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology with fellowship training in a variety of specialties. They are highly-skilled, highly-knowledgeable, and make patient care a priority. To learn more, contact us today.