Arthrography: why inject contrast into a joint?

Arthrography involves injecting contrast into a joint through a fine needle. It can help show cartilage, ligaments or the labrum, for example in the shoulder, hip or knee.

It can be followed by CT or MRI, producing a CT or MRI arthrogram. It differs from arthroscopy, a surgical procedure using a camera; ask the referring clinician what your examination is intended to investigate.

Before the appointment, report a possible pregnancy, a local or general infection, a clotting disorder and any known allergy to iodinated or gadolinium contrast. Bring the allergist’s report if you have one.

If MRI is planned, also report implants, devices, transdermal patches and tattoos. Injection guidance described by Nancy University Hospital uses X-rays, even if MRI follows: the team assesses precautions if pregnancy is possible.

At Nancy, the patient lies down during the guided injection and further images are then taken. Mild discomfort can be temporary. Tell the care team about redness, itching, hives or swelling.

An acute reaction after contrast may appear suddenly as swelling of the face or throat, a change in voice, breathing difficulty, faintness, extreme weakness, fatigue or dizziness, or nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain. During the examination alert the team immediately; afterwards call 15 or 112 in France. If a person with previous severe allergic reactions has their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector available, use it according to their instructions.