Name of the Procedure:

Injection of Contrast for Knee Arthrography
(Common name: Knee Arthrogram)

Summary

A knee arthrography is a medical imaging procedure where a contrast dye is injected into the knee joint to help visualize its structures using X-ray, CT, or MRI. This helps in diagnosing knee problems such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or other joint abnormalities.

Purpose

Medical Condition or Problem

• Diagnosing the cause of unexplained knee pain.
• Evaluating joint problems like ligament injuries, torn meniscus, or arthritis.
  ##### Goals or Expected Outcomes
• Clear visualization of joint structures.
• Accurate diagnosis to inform treatment decisions.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions

• Chronic knee pain.
• Limited joint mobility.
• Suspected tears or lesions in ligaments or cartilage.
  ##### Patient Criteria
• Symptoms unresponsive to conservative treatments.
• Need for detailed imaging prior to surgery.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions

• Inform the doctor about any allergies, especially to contrast dye.
• Cease certain medications if instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Fasting may be required for a few hours before the procedure. ##### Diagnostic Tests
• Preliminary knee X-ray or MRI may be needed.

Procedure Description

1. Local Anesthetic: The knee area is numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. Injection Site Preparation: Skin is cleaned to prevent infection.
3. Contrast Injection: A radiologist injects the contrast dye into the knee joint.
4. Imaging: X-ray, CT, or MRI scans are taken to capture detailed images of the knee.
5. Completion: The needle is removed and a bandage is applied to the injection site.

Tools, Equipment, or Technology

• Contrast dye.
• X-ray, CT, or MRI scanner.
• Sterile injection equipment.

Anesthesia or Sedation

• Local anesthetic is typically used.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

Dr. Gray usually performs this in a radiology suite, either in a hospital or specialized outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Radiologist.
• Radiologic technologist.
• Nurse (if needed).

Risks and Complications

Common Risks

• Mild pain or swelling at the injection site.
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
  ##### Rare Risks
• Infection.
• Bleeding in the joint.
• Joint stiffness. ##### Management
• Contact healthcare provider if severe pain or swelling occurs.

Benefits

• Enhanced imaging leads to accurate diagnosis.
• Informative for planning further treatments or surgeries.
• Early problem detection can prevent further joint damage. ##### Outcome Realization
• Benefits are typically realized immediately with improved imaging results.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care

• Rest the knee for 24 hours.
• Apply ice packs to minimize swelling.
• Use pain relievers if necessary.
  ##### Recovery Time
• Most patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 days. ##### Follow-up
• Follow-up appointment with the treating doctor to discuss results.

Alternatives

• Standard MRI or CT scan without contrast.
• Ultrasound of the knee. ##### Pros and Cons
• Non-contrast imaging may be less informative but avoids the risk of dye reaction.
• Ultrasound is less invasive but may not provide as detailed images.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure

• Brief discomfort from the injection.
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the knee as dye is injected. ##### After the Procedure
• Mild soreness at the injection site.
• Instructions provided for comfort and pain management.