This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.

X-ray - joint; Arthrography; Arthrogram

The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office. The x-ray technologist will help you position the joint to be x-rayed on the table. Once in place, pictures are taken. The joint may be repositioned for different views.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

The x-ray is not uncomfortable, except possibly from positioning the area being x-rayed.

The x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the joint.

Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)