What is MRI Arthrogram?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a popular imaging modality made use of by doctors to get a detailed idea about their patient’s illness. Test results of MRI scan aide the doctor in diagnosis.
An MRI Arthrogram consists of using both these imaging modalities (MRI & Arthrogram) as a whole for diagnosing underlying issues within a joint. It is prescribed by the doctor when a plain MRI of the joint fails to provide any conclusive results for diagnosis.
Centers offering MRI Arthrogram
A list of centers and hospitals offering MRI Arthrogram in major Indian cities is provided below:
| Diagnostic Center | Area | City |
|---|---|---|
| Insight Diagnostics | Kukatpally | Hyderabad |
| Health Square | Hauz Khas | Delhi |
Cost of MRI Arthrogram
Costs of an MRI Arthrogram differ from city to city based on a variety of factors. It ranges from INR 9000 to INR 4200.
| Diagnostic Center | Test Name | MRP | Offer Price | Get Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Diagnostics, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. | ARTHROGRAM SHOULDER WITH CONTRAST | Rs. | Rs. 7200 | Book Online |
| Health Square, Hauz Khas, Delhi. | Joint with Arthogram | Rs. | Rs. 4200 | Book Online |
* Above mentioned offers can only be booked online.
Pre-procedural instructions
An MRI arthrogram helps in viewing tears and injuries occurring in joints of knees, shoulders and hips. It also is used in detecting development of cysts or abnormal bodies in these parts.
Following described are the precautions to be exercised before going in for an MRI Arthrogram:
- Medical history: Your medical history is discussed with you by the doctor before scheduling your date for the MRI Arthrogram. You need to inform the doctor if you are diabetic or undergoing treatment for any infection or condition.
- Medication: Notify the doctor if you are on certain medications like blood-thinners, steroids, supplements.
- Allergies:- Notify the doctor if you are averse to closed environs. Also, inform them if you are allergic to any contrast agents in advance.
- Device implants undergone: If you have undergone any device implant surgeries such as intrauterine implant, a pacemaker implant, prosthetic knee or hip transplants anytime in the past, your doctor needs to know about them. As these may interfere with the test procedure.
- Consent form: A consent form needs to be signed by the patient giving his/her approval for the test.
- Clothing: Make sure to wear loose comfortable clothing. Steer clear of tight and skinny clothes on the test day.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Pregnant women or women expecting to get pregnant should notify the same to the doctor. Women who are gestating also should inform it to the doctor beforehand.
How is MRI arthrogram done?
The process of MRI arthrogram is as described below in detail:
- The area of joint that is to be scanned is cleaned with antiseptic soap.
- Local anesthetic is given on the skin area, for a fluroscope to be guided with the help of a needle.
- Contrast agent is injected through the needle. The agent provides clarity to the doctor for viewing the assigned area of joint.
- X-ray imaging is used for capturing pictures of the joint. This was the process of deriving an arthrogram. It will get done in half an hour time.
- After this, the patient is made to enter an MRI machine through the operating table. The patient needs to be absolutely still so as to prevent blurred images from getting generated.
- The MRI machine contains radio signals and powerful magnets.
- The magnets and radio signals generate images of the intended tissues, structures and ligaments inside the joint that need to be operated on.
You may ask the technician to provide you with noise-canceling headphones in case of loud whirring sounds emitted by the MRI machine. The MRI procedure gets done in around 45 minutes period.
After your MRI Arthrogram:
- You can resume your routine activities post undergoing an MRI Arthrogram.
- You may experience stiffness in the joint area that was scanned. However, it is no cause of concern as the joint will get back to normal in a short while.
- You need to contact your doctor if the symptoms and stiffness of joints persist even after passage of few days
Results of your MRI arthrogram are discussed and interpreted by the lab technician and doctor before they are discussed with you. Further treatment or medication depends on what findings have been arrived to through the test.