for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.
Your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything a few hours before the procedure.Tell your doctor if you have problems with small spaces. You may be given a drug to help you relax.You may be asked to take off anything metal. This would include jewelry, watch, hairpins, or hearing aids. You may also have to take out any removable dentures before the procedure.You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- The doctor will clean the skin near the joint.
- The area is numbed with a small needle. Then the doctor will put a longer needle into the joint area. Sometimes, an ultrasound or special kind of x-ray called fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle. If there is fluid in the joint, the doctor may use a syringe to drain the fluid.
- Next, the dye is injected into the joint while x-ray images are taken. Water or air may be used instead of dye. Sometimes, drugs to help with pain are also injected into the joint with the dye.
- The doctor may move the joint around to move the dye through the whole joint space. The doctor may also be looking at how well the joint moves.
- The needle is taken out and the doctor will put pressure on the site to stop any bleeding. The doctor will cover the site with a clean bandage.
- The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Tests done with x-rays are most often shorter than tests done with an MRI or CT scan.
What happens after the procedure?
- If fluid was drained, your doctor will send the joint fluid to a lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you will know the results.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep the area and bandage dry for 24 hours after the procedure. You can remove the dressing after that time.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for further care.
What problems could happen?
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; redness, pain, bleeding, or pus at needle site.
- Pain that does not go away
Where can I learn more?
Radiological Society of North America ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=arthrog ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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