MRI arthrogram is a noninvasive medical diagnostic tool used to examine the state of the body’s cartilage. Before the procedure, patients should disclose any medical conditions and remove metal objects. Recovery time is not required, and side effects are rare.
A magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRI) is a medical diagnostic tool used to allow a doctor to examine the state of the body’s cartilage. Your doctor will inject a contrast dye and then take X-ray images. It is done on a joint to diagnose abnormalities, such as swelling or pain, which may indicate a tear or other cartilage degeneration. An MRI arthrogram can also reveal cartilage disease or the growth of an abnormal cyst. This procedure is noninvasive and typically causes no worse side effects than minor discomfort.
Even though an MRI arthrogram is a simple procedure, the patient should still take care to disclose any medical conditions. The X-ray technician will need to know if the patient has allergies, arthritis or asthma. An infection around the joint being tested can interfere with the results. The technician also needs to know if the patient is diabetic or has a bleeding disorder, kidney disease, or has recently had surgery. Also, these imaging tests are rarely performed on pregnant women.
Because an MRI arthrogram is performed while the patient is fully conscious, not under general anesthesia, there is no need to restrict food and water intake. The exception to this is if the patient is a child who is nervous about the procedure and will require a sedative to stay still during it all. Some adult patients may also require a sedative, particularly if they have claustrophobia or an anxiety disorder.
Before the procedure, the patient will be asked to remove all jewelry, piercings, and any removable dental work, such as dentures. Patients should also not have metal objects, such as hairpins, pens, or metal zippers. Other items such as hearing aids and credit cards can also interfere with the machine due to the magnetic stripe. Those with implanted devices, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, artificial limbs, or heart valves, should inform the technician of their presence.
The patient will likely be asked to wear a hospital gown for the procedure. You will lie down on an X-ray table and the doctor will numb the joint before injecting a contrast medium into it. The doctor will then ask the patient to lie down on the “bed” of the MRI machine, which is then inserted into a tunnel inside the scanner. Patients will need to remain completely still for the scan to work properly. This part of the procedure can take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes.
Recovery time is not required for patients undergoing an MRI arthrogram, however patients are recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 12 hours. For the day following the procedure, a “crunching” sound may be heard in the joint being examined. This is normal and is a result of the contrast dye. An MRI arthrogram is considered a safe procedure and side effects are very rare. Some patients may experience mild, temporary pain, swelling, or mild discomfort.
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