Download What you need to know about Arthrography.

What you need to know about
Arthrography.
Preparing for your procedure.
Your exam.
Your comfort.
Our priority.
Steinberg Diagnostic is
dedicated to providing
compassionate care
and quality imaging.
We want to ensure your visit
with SDMI is as comfortable
and effortless as possible.
Please read this patient prep
sheet carefully before your
exam.
Your physician has ordered a
diagnostic procedure known
as an arthrogram. This
procedure is used to find the
cause of ongoing,
unexplained joint pain,
swelling, or abnormal
movement of your joint. It
may be done alone, before,
or as part of other tests, such
as MRI, CT, or arthroscopy.
What is an arthrogram?
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.
What information should I provide before my
arthrogram is scheduled?
You will be asked to complete a medical
questionnaire that will assist in assuring that the
highest quality exam is performed.
What should I wear to my examination?
Please wear comfortable clothing that does not
have zippers or other metal fasteners. If you can
not wear this to your exam, a cloth gown will be
provided. Lockers are available to store your
personal belongings.
Is there any preparation on my part prior to
the exam?
Please make arrangements for someone to drive
you home. You may not drive yourself home.
You must also be off aspirin and blood thinners
(Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, Motrin, Ibuprofin,
baby aspirin, Aleve, Advil, Naprosyn, and all
nsaids) for 5 days.
*Patients on Coumadin (Warfarin) need PT &
PTT labs done the day before the exam.
Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours prior.
No allergies to iodine.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the
exam?
Yes. Please bring a photo ID, your referral, and
your insurance card. Your insurance company
will be billed for the procedure. Your co-pay is
due at the time of your visit.
Is an arthrogram painful?
You may experience some soreness at the
injection site for up to 24 hours after your
procedure. Your joint area may become more
painful than usual beginning 4-6 hours after
the arthrogram, but the pain will gradually
subside over the next day or two.
How long will my examination last?
The arthrogram itself usually takes about 15
minutes. You may then have to wait a short
time before having the scan performed. A
subsequent MRI scan may take 30-45
minutes and a CT scan may take 15 minutes,
depending on the joint and the number of
scans that have to be done. You should allow
approximately 2 hours from arrival for
completion of the exam.
How will I receive my arthrogram results?
A Board Certified Radiologist (a physician
who specializes in interpreting diagnostic
images) will study the images from your
examination and send a report to your
physician.
When we envision our patient
experience, we begin with
images like this in mind.
Over 98% patients surveyed said they were
satisfied with their experience at SDMI. We
value your feedback and are committed to
making your patient experience a positive
one.
If you have additional
questions, please
contact SDMI’s
scheduling
department
at (702) 732-6000.
Steinberg Diagnostic has 6 convenient locations in the Las Vegas Valley.
CENTENNIAL HILLS
6925 N. Durango Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89149
NORTHWEST
2767 N. Tenaya Way
Las Vegas, NV 89128
MARYLAND PARKWAY
2950 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
SOUTHWEST
9070 W. Post Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89148
GREEN VALLEY
4 Sunset Way, Bldg. D
Henderson, NV 89014
ANTHEM
2850 Siena Heights Dr.
Henderson, NV 89052
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