Name of the Procedure:

Hip Arthrography Injection; with Anesthesia

Summary

Hip arthrography is a diagnostic procedure that involves injecting contrast dye into the hip joint to allow for detailed imaging. This helps doctors examine the joint structures and diagnose any issues. Anesthesia is used to keep the procedure as painless and comfortable as possible.

Purpose

Hip arthrography is primarily performed to diagnose conditions affecting the hip joint, such as labral tears, cartilage damage, or unexplained hip pain. The goal is to identify the cause of symptoms accurately and guide appropriate treatment.

Indications

• Unexplained hip pain
• Suspected labral tears
• Cartilage issues
• Inflammation or infection of the hip joint
• Pre-surgical evaluation

Preparation

• Fasting for a few hours before the procedure
• Adjustments to current medications based on physician advice
• Pre-procedure imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be required for detailed planning
• Signing a consent form after discussing the procedure with the doctor

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on an imaging table, and the skin over the hip joint is cleaned and sterilized.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. Using imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound), a needle is carefully inserted into the hip joint.
4. Contrast dye is injected into the joint space.
5. Additional imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, is performed to capture detailed pictures.
6. The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the injection site.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Hip arthrography is usually performed in a radiology department within a hospital or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist or orthopedic specialist
• Radiology technologist
• Nurse
• Anesthesiologist (if sedation beyond local anesthesia is required)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Pain or discomfort during or after the procedure

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of hip joint issues
• Helps guide the appropriate treatment plan
• Minimally invasive with minimal recovery time
• Provides detailed imaging that other methods cannot

Recovery

• Patients can usually go home shortly after the procedure.
• Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours.
• Follow-up appointments may be needed to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Standard MRI or CT scan without contrast
• Ultrasound imaging
• Physical rehabilitation and monitoring
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons, such as less detail from standard imaging versus the invasive nature of arthrography.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel pressure or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted and dye is injected. Anesthesia will minimize pain. Post-procedure, there may be slight soreness at the injection site, which can be managed with pain relief and rest.