MRI Procedure Info

➜ Arthrogram Examinations

 

Arthrogram Examination: approx. 60 minutes

There are differences in the way this procedure is performed depending on the individual patient, the institution, and the Doctor.  Therefore, not all of this information may apply to you. If you have any concerns, please discuss with your Referring Doctor.

If you have any concerns about the procedure, please call and chat to our friendly team.

Why are you having this procedure?

An arthrogram provides excellent detail about the internal structures of a joint.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Please advise radiology staff if you are:

  • Taking blood thinners (especially warfarin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, aspirin or anti-inflammatories)

  • Pregnant

  • Diabetic

  • Allergic to betadine, iodine, shellfish, local anaesthetic and plasters

  • Unwell (especially if you have an infection, cough or cold). This may mean your procedure will need to be deferred until you are well.

Any other specific individual instructions will be given to you in advance.

What do I need to know prior to an appointment?

  • You do require a referral from an Orthopaedic Consultant – you can drop this in or ask for it to be faxed or emailed to us. Alternatively, you can follow this link and take a photo of the referral and send it in to us.

  • Our team will triage the referral (based on the clinical information provided). We will then contact you to arrange an appointment date and time. (Please make sure the contact details included on the referral are accurate, so we are able to get hold of you).

  • When we call you, we will go through a checklist of MRI safety questions – This will ensure you are safe to go into the MRI scanner.

    When you arrive, we will ask you to complete a Patient Detail form – this will enable us to ensure we have all your up-to-date details, and confirmation of your GP and correct funding stream.

  • The MRI team will recheck through your MRI Safety Questionnaire.

What does the procedure involve?

  1. We will ask you to get dressed into a gown

  2. Our Radiologist will chat to you prior to the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You will be required to complete a consent form

  3. You will be escorted to our ultrasound suite and asked to lie on the bed (usually on your side/back)

  4. The area of interest is identified with ultrasound guidance and then we will clean your skin with antiseptic solution

  5. A drape is placed over you and a small amount of antiseptic is injected to numb the region

  6. A special needle is then inserted into the skin and contrast (dye) is injected into the joint space to highlight the area of interest

  7. The needle is withdrawn, and a small plaster is applied

  8. You will then be escorted down to the MRI suite for scanning of this area

  9. When you are in MRI, you will lie on the bed and a coil will be placed around the region of interest. You will then be moved into the scanner. The most important thing for you is to keep nice and still to enable us to get clear images of the joint.

After the procedure

  • Try to rest the joint

  • Shoulder Arthrogram: Do not lift your arm

  • Hip/Knee/Ankle Arthrogram: Try to avoid walking excessively

Sedation Info

If you require sedation for this procedure you will need to discuss this in advance with your GP. If this is required they can provide you with a prescription for a sedative to collect from your chemist. You will need to bring this prescription with you to your appointment and to have advised us in advance that you require sedation as additional monitoring of will be required prior to your procedure and after your procedure.

You will also require someone to drive you home, and stay with you for the next 24 hours

Side effects of some sedation medications can last for up to 24 hours following administration.

You may not remember some of the information discussed, this is a normal side effect.

For the next 24 hours you should not;

  • Drive or operate any vehicles or machinery

  • Drink alcohol

  • Make any important decisions,

  • Sign any legal documents

  • Travel unaccompanied

If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please call us to speak to our nurse.