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Radiography: arthrography
Introduction
- Arthrography is a radiographic study of a synovial joint where iodine-based contrast medium is injected into the joint space.
Uses
Indications and contraindications for contrast arthrography- The only synovial joint where a contrast arthrography is relevant in the dog is the shoulder joint. The following discussion will focus on shoulder arthrography.
- Relative indications:
- Shoulder OCD
: investigate presence of attached OCD flap. - Suspected bicipital tenosynovitis and/or avulsion Rupture / avulsion of the biceps brachii tendon .
- Suspected biceps tendon luxation or rupture
. - Joint capsule integrity in shoulder trauma.
- Assessment of joint neoplasia and cartilage erosion.
- Shoulder OCD
- There is no absolute indication for shoulder arthrography in the dog.
- Contraindications for shoulder arthrography include known iodine allergies or increased risks associated with needle insertion (bleeding disorder, tumor seeding).
Advantages
- The main advantage is the visualization of articular cartilage and intra-articular tendons/ligaments which cannot be differentiated on survey radiographs.
- Negative contrast medium (gas) is not commonly used but can occur naturally with extensive distraction (cavitation) or post-operatively.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Is the examination appropriate?
- Can you make the diagnosis without it?
- Will your management of the case be affected by the outcome of the examination?
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Clements D N, Kelly D F, Philbey A W et al (2005) Arthrographic diagnosis of shoulder joint masses in two dogs. Vet Rec 156 (8), 254-255 PubMed.
- van Bree H & van Ryssen B (1995) Positive contrast shoulder arthrography with iopromide and diatrizoate in dogs with osteochondrosis. Vet Rad & Ultrasound 36 (3), 203-206 VetMedResource.
- Barthez P Y & Morgan J P (1993) Bicipital tenosynovitis in the dog - evaluation with positive contrast arthrography. Vet Rad & Ultrasound 34 (5), 325-330 VetMedResource.