Arthrogram / MRI

[21TonyK]

Is the arthrogram injection standard practice for MRI scans on joints? For example a rotator cuff? Or is it something they may or may not need to do?

[campionissimo]

I've had MRI's with and without contrast dyes. Depends on whether the consultant deems it necessary I guess......

[21TonyK]

Thanks. Just trying to establish a few facts which (as it happens this evening) are now completely irrelevant.

[zeDuffMan]

Arthrograms are more sensitive than normal MRI for labral tears. Muscular injuries don't need contrast enhancement.

[The_Doc]

21TonyK said:

Is the arthrogram injection standard practice for MRI scans on joints? For example a rotator cuff? Or is it something they may or may not need to do?

not standard practice, but used as needed

needs qualified practitioner to squirt the dye in. and pre-op renal function to make sure you can excrete it. As opposed to just an MRI radiographer to drive the machine (regrets saying just already..)

marked benefits in seeing shoulder and hip capsule pathology, but not cuff tears much, ultrasound can be the best here.

zero use in the knee

some use in the wrist

[21TonyK]

The_Doc said:

not standard practice, but used as needed

needs qualified practitioner to squirt the dye in. and pre-op renal function to make sure you can excrete it. As opposed to just an MRI radiographer to drive the machine (regrets saying just already..)

marked benefits in seeing shoulder and hip capsule pathology, but not cuff tears much, ultrasound can be the best here.

zero use in the knee

some use in the wrist

Many thanks, that explains things. Q was prompted as I had an MRI on my wrist earlier in the week and didn't appreciate how complicated it was going to be having previously had a CT on it.

A colleague at work had a "shoulder scan" which I suspected was not the case if it was as per my experience.

From your descriptions it may well have actually been the case.