|  | Conditions Treatments | Bones, Joints Muscles

What Is Magnetic Resonance Arthrography?

Magnetic resonance arthrography refers to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed specifically to produced and view highly detailed images of a joint, rather than of the entire body, according to the Children's Hospital Boston.

  1. How Magnetic Resonance Works

    • Magnetic resonance techniques employ powerful magnetic fields to align hydrogen atoms in the body. The machine then directs radio waves at the body, records information about the radio waves reflected by the hydrogen, and displays it as visual information on a computer screen, according to RadiologyInfo.

    Purpose

    • The procedure is used when there is the possibility of damage or other dysfunction in the cartilage of a joint, such as the knee or shoulder.

    Procedure

    • The procedure entails injecting the joint with an anesthetic and contrast material, which improves image resolution of the MRI. Imaging requires the person to lie inside the MRI machine for up to 45 minutes, reports RadiologyInfo.

    Contrast Material

    • The National Institutes of Health reports the chemical gadolinium as the most commonly employed contrast agent.

    Risks

    • In general, magnetic resonance imaging procedures represent a virtually risk-free situation, though allergic reactions to the contrast material can occur, reports RadiologyInfo. Claustrophobic patients can experience anxiety inside the MRI machine, as well.

    Results

    • A radiologist examines the images obtained from the scan and gives a report to the primary care physician. The physician typically shares and explains the results to a patient.

Bones, Joints Muscles - Related Articles