MR & CT Arthrograms at Zwanger-Pesiri
To further enhance today’s sophisticated imaging techniques, arthrograms provide valuable additional information about the complex anatomy of joints. Our musculoskeletal team of radiologists and technologists are highly skilled at MR Arthrography and CT Arthrography, specialized tests for studying joints utilizing an injection of a contrast agent. We currently perform MR and CT Arthrograms at our Massapequa, Stony Brook, and Smithtown East locations.
More Information
More detail to assist in complex joint issues
Advanced Systems
Guided by the latest imaging technology
Expert Care
Musculoskeletal specialist radiologistsWhat are MR & CT Arthrograms?
MR Arthrography and CT Arthrography are specialized imaging studies that use contrast material to provide highly detailed views the joint's interior. Arthrograms help diagnose conditions affecting the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons within a joint and are particularly useful in identifying 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 or CT exam using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
When is MR or CT 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.
MR Arthrogram Preparations
If you are receiving IV CONTRAST for your exam, do not eat for one 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.
CT Arthrogram Preparations
If you are receiving IV CONTRAST for your exam, do not eat for one hour prior to your exam time. You may drink clear liquids (example: water, ginger ale, apple juice).
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.
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 ultrasound or 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 images.
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 a 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 pain relief.
Next, you will be asked to lie down on the cushioned MRI table. Many MRI exams require the use of a coil, which is placed on or around the body part being scanned. The coil is a lightweight device that acts as an antenna to receive the radio frequency signal coming out of your body. That data is then transmitted to a computer, which will then generate the images.
If it has been determined that your study requires the use of an IV contrast material (or dye), the technologist or nurse will perform the injection and administer the iodine-free contrast. Please let the staff know if you have any allergies.
The table will slowly move into position within the large doughnut-shaped magnet. We provide you with noise-canceling headphones and your choice of music, as you will hear a series of loud thumping noises as the scan is performed. We ask that you keep very still to help ensure that the images come out clear. Throughout the entire exam, you will be able to communicate with the technologist through an intercom. MR arthrograms can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the body part being scanned.
During a CT Arthrogram
After checking in, you will be escorted to a changing room and locker for your belongings, if needed.
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 ultrasound or 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 CT images.
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 a 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 pain relief.
Next, you will be asked to lie down on the cushioned CT table. If it has been determined that your study requires the use of an IV contrast material (or dye), the technologist or nurse will perform the injection and administer the iodine-free contrast. Please let the staff know if you have any allergies.