We have received a request from your referring doctor for you to have a Arthrogram. This web page is designed to give you some information to help you prepare for your scan and to give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

Q1. What is an Arthrogram & Joint Injection?

Arthrogram’ means picture of a joint following an injection of a contrast medium. An Arthrogram may be performed to obtain information about the joint or when an injection of medication is required into a joint.

Q2. What preparation will I need?

None.

Q3. What if I cannot attend my appointment?

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the hospital department you are attending your appoingment, immediately (see top of page for contact telephone numbers), so that a more appropriate time can be arranged. This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else.

Q4. I am a Diabetic. Does this change anything?

Q5. What does the examination involve?

Depending on which part of the body is being examined, you may be asked to undress and put on a gown. You will be asked to lie on a couch in a special x-ray room. The doctor (Radiologist) performing your examination will explain the procedure. After cleaning the skin with a sterilizing solution and injecting local anaesthetic, (see below) a needle will be inserted into the joint and any injection made. At the end of the test the needle will be removed. If local anaesthetic or steroid medication has been injected you will be given a form to take away and return to monitor any change in your symptoms. The Radiologist will explain how you should complete this form.

Local Anaesthetic

Your radiologist will ask you to keep quite still while the injections are given.
You may notice a warm tingling feeling as the anaesthetic begins to take effect.
Your procedure will only go ahead when you and your radiologist are sure that the area is numb.
If you are not having sedation, you will remain alert and aware of your surroundings. A screen shields the operating site, so you will not see the procedure unless you want to.
Your radiologist is always near to you and you can speak to him/her whenever you want to.

Consent Form

Some of your questions should have been answered above, but remember that, this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you. Please make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure, before you sign the consent form.

Q6. How long will it take?

The examination usually takes 30 minutes.

Q7. What are the benefits of having this examination?

It may establish diagnosis if we are uncertain whether the joint is the source of pain, or therapeutic if we are certain.

Q8. Are there any risks?

Usually none, but this depends on the site of injection. Any possible side effects will be fully explained to you.

Q9. Are there any side effects?

A report will be sent to the consultant who asked for this test to be performed. Please note, that a complete report cannot be sent out until your form (for monitoring changes in symptoms), has been completed and returned. You should make an appointment to discuss the results in outpatients.

Q10. What about the results?

Q11. Can I drive home?

We advise you do not drive immediately after a joint injection and you should make alternative travel arrangements.

Q12. I need an ambulance. Do you arrange one?

If you need an ambulance, you must ask your General Practitioner’s surgery to arrange one. You will need to give them three working days notice. Please inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance as we will arrange your appointment time to fit with ambulance arrivals.

Q13. What if I have any comments, suggestions or questions?

Should you have any suggestions or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting your examination, or by letter addressed to the hospital department you are attending your appointment:

The Departmental Manager

Leazes Xray Department

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Richardson Road

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP

Tel: 0191 2825624

The Departmental Manager

Main Xray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

Tel: 0191 2231012

All Newcastle Hospitals Switchboard: Tel : (0191) 233 6161

If you need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Freephone: 0800-032-02-02

Due to the transformations of the Newcastle Hospitals, please see ' Patient and Visitor Guides' to check map details for updates.

Alternatively, please see map details on how to get to the new Victoria Wing, RVI.

All patient information is available in large print size for people with visual impairments or partial vision. Please click on the link above, 'large print size' to view and print the document or alternatively, please click on the large 'A' at the top of the screen to read this information on-line.

Produced by: Dr G Hide, Clinical Directorate of Radiology
Reviewed: January 2009

Next Review: January 2012

Page last updated: 10.02.2010