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Doctors Imaging Group | ||||
What We Do > Diagnostic and Therapeutic Spinal and Joint Injection > Other Musculo-Skeletal |
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Arthrography basically means injection of contrast (dye) into a joint. Once the contrast is injected, the radiologist takes fluoroscopic spot films (x-rays) to document the correct position of the contrast in the desired joint. Since the widespread use of CT and MRI,an arthrogram is now only rarely performed as a sole diagnostic test. |
A small needle is used to inject special MR contrast called Gadolinium. Xray contrast is also used to make sure the contrast is inside the joint. After the proper contrast is injected you will have an MRI examination. This exam is most commonly used for shoulders, hips and wrists. It may also be used for knees that have had previous surgery.
Joint Aspiration
This procedure can be performed on essentially any joint in the body when needed. This is a diagnostic test used mainly to rule out infection of the joint. Sometimes certain types of arthritis need to be diagnosed by aspiration of fluid from a joint and analysis in a laboratory.
Joint Injections for pain relief
Certain joints of the body can be injected for pain relief. The reasons and variety of joints injected are numerous.
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Most often hips or shoulders are injected with steroids and local anesthetic for degenerative arthritis and pain control. This can only be performed three times in most cases. Other joints such as the feet, ankle, hands, wrists, A-C joint, sternoclavicular joints and others are injected for pain control as well. These types of joint injections can also be used for diagnostic purposes in complex cases. For example, a patient with buttocks pain may have the back or hip joint responsible for their pain. The hip joint would be injected on one visit and a back injection such as a nerve root block or facet block may be injected on another visit to localize the "pain generator" |
For more information on preparing for Arthrography:
- A representative will contact you prior to your appointment to review your medications and complete your registration.
- You will not have to stop taking blood thinners ( Aspirin, Lovenox, Plavix, Heparin or Coumadin) before virtually all of the above joint procedures. Exceptions may apply so the scheduler will talk to a radiologist or your doctor if necessary.
- You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home if your knee or ankle are affected.
- The joint area to be studied will be injected with local anesthetic, contrast dye and perhaps a steriod. If you have an allergy to any of these medications please notify our representative, scheduler, or nurse as soon as possible. Fluoroscopy, CT or MRI images will be taken after the injection.
- You may experience some soreness at your injection site for up to 24 hours. This can usually be managed with over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin and ice applied to the affected area 3-4 times during the day. You may may take your own pain medication if it is already prescribed by your referring physician.
- If you develop fever, or severe pain contact our office at 352.333.7VIP (7847) or call your referring physician. After hours or on week-ends, go to the nearest emergency room or call North Florida Regional Medical Center at 352.333.4000 and ask for the Radiologist on Call.
- Limited activity the day of the joint injection. You may resume your current level of activity the day after the injection, as tolerated.
Vascular & Interventional Procedures
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Spinal and Joint Injection Procedures
Vascular & Interventional Physicians
6685 NW 9th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: 352.333.7VIP (7847)
Direct Spine Line: 352. 313. 6873
Fax: 352.333.0990
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
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Vascular & Interventional Procedures Diagnostic and Therapeutic Spinal and Joint Injection Procedures |
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