Arthrography
The arthro MRI takes images of your joints after a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected in your joint space. The radiologist can see the soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and the articular capsule.
Please note that if you are allergic to gadolinium based contrast agents, you must tell the radiologist before the examination.
Examination procedure
For the procedure, our radiologist will use an ultrasound machine or fluoroscopy to visualize your joint space in order to inject a contrast agent into it. You will then be asked :
- to lay comfortably on a mobile examination table located in a light, ventilated room
- to wear headphones to listen to music or earplugs if you wish. The MRI machine produces a percussion sound, which may be incommodating for some patients.
- to remain still from 20 to 60 minutes, the duration of the examination.
The duration, as well as the sounds generated by the system, can make some people uncomfortable. At Imagix™, the technologist, who watches and listens to you at all times, ensures your comfort and well-being throughout the examination.
Please note that the total duration of your visit for this examination can be between 60 and 90 minutes, even though the examination procedure itself will only last between 20 and 60 minutes.
A medical prescription is required to perform this examination. The cost of this examination is not covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
If your health care professional has prescribed this test for you or you have any questions, please call us at 1-833-590-2714.
