Arthrogram (Joint X-ray)Test Overview
An arthrogram is a test using
X-rays to obtain a series of pictures of a
joint  after a
contrast material (such as a dye, water, air, or a
combination of these) has been injected into the joint. This allows your doctor
to see the soft tissue structures of your joint, such as
tendons,
ligaments, muscles,
cartilage, and your joint capsule. These structures
are not seen on a plain X-ray without contrast material. A special type of
X-ray, called
fluoroscopy, is used to take pictures of the
joint. An arthrogram is used to check a joint to find out what is
causing your symptoms or problem with your joint. An arthrogram may be more
useful than a regular X-ray because it shows the surface of soft tissues lining
the joint as well as the joint bones. A regular X-ray only shows the bones of
the joint. This test can be done on your hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow,
wrist, or jaw (temporomandibular joint). Other tests, such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
computed tomography (CT), give different information
about a joint. They may be used with an arthrogram or when an arthrogram does
not give a clear picture of the joint.
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