arthrographic

Arthrographic is an adjective describing imaging procedures that involve injecting contrast material into a joint to visualize intra-articular structures. The term is most commonly associated with arthrography, a radiologic technique that can be performed with conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging. In conventional arthrography, iodinated contrast is injected into the joint under fluoroscopic guidance, and radiographs are obtained to outline the capsule, ligaments, cartilage surfaces, and associated structures. CT arthrography combines joint distension with CT imaging to provide cross-sectional detail; MR arthrography uses gadolinium-based contrast and MRI to achieve high soft-tissue contrast, often improving detection of labral tears, cartilage defects, and ligament injuries.

Procedure typically involves sterile preparation, local anesthesia, and image-guided intra-articular injection, followed by imaging in the requested modality. Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used for needle placement. Common joints assessed include the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, wrist, and temporomandibular joint.

Indications include persistent joint pain or instability suspected to be due to intra-articular pathology, suspected labral or meniscal tears, reinjury after surgery, or evaluation when noninvasive imaging is inconclusive. Advantages of arthrographic techniques include enhanced delineation of joint structures and tears; limitations include invasiveness, risk of infection or allergic reaction to contrast, and radiation exposure for radiographic or CT forms. MR arthrography avoids ionizing radiation but requires an injection and may be contraindicated in some patients.