Arthrogram (Arthrography): What It Is, Why It's Done, What to Expect and Results

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review

Quick Answer: What is an arthrogram?

An arthrogram, or arthrography, is an imaging test in which a radiologist injects contrast dye into a joint and then takes pictures with X-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound. The dye makes ligaments, tendons and cartilage easier to see, so it helps explain joint pain or stiffness when an exam or plain X-ray is not enough. Risks are low.

What the research says

• MR arthrography finds shoulder labrum tears slightly better than standard MRI. A meta-analysis of 60 studies with 4,667 shoulders found MR arthrography had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 93% for glenoid labral lesions, compared with 76% and 87% for MRI without contrast. (Smith et al., Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2012) [2]

• For hip labral tears, newer 3.0 T MRI may come close to arthrography. A meta-analysis of 22 studies with 1,670 patients found MR arthrography had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 69% for acetabular labral tears, while 3.0 T MRI reached a similar sensitivity of 87% with higher specificity of 77%. (Zhang et al., Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2022) [3]

Key takeaways

• An arthrogram is an imaging test that uses contrast dye injected into a joint to show what is happening inside [1].

• Pictures may be taken with X-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound after the injection [1].

• It helps diagnose unexplained joint pain or stiffness and can check joints after replacement surgery [1].

• Therapeutic arthrography uses the same approach to inject medicine, such as steroids, into the joint [1].

• Most people return to normal activities soon after; soreness should settle within two days [1].

• Risks are low and include allergic reaction to the dye, rare bleeding or infection, and radiation exposure [1].

What is an arthrogram?

An arthrogram is a medical imaging test that uses contrast dye to show what is happening inside a joint [1]. It is also called arthrography [1].

The test can show conditions of the ligaments, tendons and cartilage in fine detail [1]. After the dye is injected, pictures are taken with an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or another imaging test [1].

Why you might need an arthrogram

Your provider may recommend an arthrogram when a physical exam or tests such as X-rays do not give enough information [1]. It can be used to:

• Find the cause of unexplained joint pain or stiffness [1]

• Deliver medicine such as steroids precisely into a joint, which is called therapeutic arthrography [1]

• Check the joint tissues after joint replacement surgery [1]

Types of arthrograms

An arthrogram can be done on several joints, including the shoulder, hip, knee, wrist, ankle and elbow [1].

How an arthrogram works

The test has two parts [1]. First, contrast dye is injected into a vein or directly into the joint [1]. Then pictures are taken [1].

The dye spreads through the joint and makes small structures and hard-to-spot problems easier to see [1]. Pictures may be taken both before and after the injection [1].

Imaging used	Where it usually happens
Fluoroscopy and X-ray	Often in the same room as the injection [1]
CT scan	May be in another room right after the injection [1]
MRI	May be in another room right after the injection [1]
Ultrasound	Can be used to take the pictures after the dye is injected [1]

Sources: [1]

How to prepare for an arthrogram

• Wear loose clothing. You may need a hospital gown depending on the joint [1].

• Tell your provider if you are or might be pregnant, because radiation can harm a fetus [1].

• Stop medicines only if and as your provider tells you [1].

• Tell your provider about any allergies, especially to contrast dye [1].

What happens during an arthrogram

A radiologist performs the test, sometimes with help from a technologist [1]. The steps usually are [1]:

1. You lie on a padded table, usually on your back [1].

2. The skin over the joint is cleaned with antiseptic and covered with a cloth drape [1].

3. The skin and area are numbed with a local anesthetic [1].

4. Contrast dye is injected into or near the joint [1].

5. The joint is moved gently to spread the dye [1].

6. The needle is removed and the site is cleaned [1].

7. Images are taken with X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound, with the joint moved into different positions for more views [1].

Images need to be taken soon after the injection, because the dye eventually spreads through the body and then no longer shows the joint in detail [1]. In therapeutic arthrography, medicine such as cortisone is injected to reduce inflammation or relieve pain [1].

Does an arthrogram hurt?

You may feel slight discomfort as the contrast is released, often described as a full or tight feeling around the joint [1].

Recovery after an arthrogram

Most people can return to normal activities soon after the test [1]. Some soreness or swelling can happen; if it does, take it easy for the rest of the day [1]. Discomfort should go away within two days, and you should call your provider if it does not [1].

You can usually drive yourself home. If you are given a sedative, you will need someone you trust to drive you [1].

Risks of an arthrogram

Overall, the risks are low [1]. They include:

• Allergic reaction to the dye: It can cause hives, dizziness or an upset stomach [1].

• Bleeding or infection at the needle site: These are rare [1].

• Radiation exposure: Radiation can build up over time and can harm a fetus [1].

The contrast is usually iodine-based or gadolinium-based, depending on the imaging test [1].

Arthrogram results

The radiologist reviews the images and usually sends the results to the provider who ordered the test within 24 hours [1]. Results may take longer if your test is on a Friday [1]. Your provider will go over the results and may recommend more tests or treatments, such as joint replacement surgery [1].

Conclusion

An arthrogram lets your care team see the soft structures inside a joint in fine detail, which can explain pain or stiffness that other tests missed. It can also deliver medicine straight into the joint.

The test is relatively painless and low risk. Call your provider if soreness or swelling lasts more than two days.

Keep learning: Read our guide to the MRI scan, our guide to the CT scan or our guide to X-rays. For more background, see the RadiologyInfo guide to direct arthrography.

FAQ

What is an arthrogram?

It is an imaging test that uses contrast dye injected into a joint to show the ligaments, tendons and cartilage in detail.

Why would I need an arthrogram?

It helps find the cause of joint pain or stiffness when an exam or X-ray is not enough, and it can check a joint after replacement surgery.

Which joints can have an arthrogram?

The shoulder, hip, knee, wrist, ankle and elbow are common.

What imaging is used in an arthrogram?

After the dye is injected, pictures are taken with X-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound.

Does an arthrogram hurt?

The skin is numbed first. You may feel slight discomfort or a full, tight feeling in the joint as the dye goes in.

How do I prepare for an arthrogram?

Wear loose clothes, tell your provider if you might be pregnant or have allergies, and stop medicines only if told to.

What dye is used for an arthrogram?

Usually an iodine-based or gadolinium-based contrast, depending on the imaging test.

Can I drive after an arthrogram?

Usually yes. If you are given a sedative, someone else needs to drive you home.

What are the risks of an arthrogram?

Risks are low. They include allergic reaction to the dye, rare bleeding or infection, and radiation exposure.

When will I get my arthrogram results?

The radiologist usually sends results to your provider within 24 hours, though it may take longer for a Friday test.

Related Reading

Hip Labral Tear: Symptoms, Causes, and How It Is Diagnosed and Treated explains a hip cartilage injury that an MR arthrogram is often used to look for.

SLAP Tear: Understanding Shoulder Labrum Injuries covers shoulder labrum tears, a common reason for a shoulder arthrogram.

Rotator Cuff Tear: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Guide explains rotator cuff tears that arthrography can help show in detail.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment — Complete Guide covers a stiff, painful shoulder that may be evaluated with joint imaging.

Torn Meniscus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Recovery — Complete Guide explains knee cartilage tears that joint imaging can help identify.

Bankart Lesion: The Shoulder Cartilage Tear That Almost Always Follows a Frontward Dislocation — and Why Recovery Takes Months, Not Weeks covers a shoulder labrum tear after dislocation that MR arthrography can reveal.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Arthrogram: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Types. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated April 22, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/arthrogram

2. Smith TO, Drew BT, Toms AP. A meta-analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy of MRA and MRI for the detection of glenoid labral injury. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012;132(7):905-919. PMID 22395821. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-012-1493-8

3. Zhang P, Li C, Wang W, et al. 3.0 T MRI is more recommended to detect acetabular labral tears than MR Arthrography: an updated meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022;17(1):126. PMID 35232459. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-022-02981-1

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.