During an arthrogram, which imaging modalities can be used to visualize the joint after injecting contrast?

• A. MRI or CT
• B. X-ray
• C. Ultrasound
• D. Nuclear medicine

Answer: (A)

After injecting contrast into a joint, you need an imaging method that can clearly show the contrast-filled space and the surrounding soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography fit this need best. CT arthrography uses iodinated contrast and CT’s detailed cross-sectional images to outline the joint space and bone structures, making it great for precise anatomy and detecting leaks. MRI arthrography injects gadolinium into the joint and then images with MRI, offering exceptional soft-tissue detail to assess ligaments, cartilage, and labral or capsule pathology. Plain X-ray provides only basic outlines and little soft-tissue information; ultrasound isn’t ideal for visualizing intra-articular contrast, and nuclear medicine focuses on function rather than detailed anatomy. So the modalities that visualize the joint after contrast are MRI and CT.