MRI Arthrogram Quick Reference Guide for Physicians

COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Sterilization

To Our Guilford Community

ALL GUILFORD RADIOLOGY STAFF HAVE BEEN FULLY IMMUNIZED AGAINST THE COVID-19 VIRUS.

Now more than ever, the safety of our patients, community and staff is our top priority. Our staff is fully trained in Covid-19 screening, safety precautions and sterilization technique. We remained committed to our referring providers and patients and have been open throughout the pandemic, while continuing to maintain a clean safe facility. Trust the staff at Guilford Radiology to take care of you and your family’s medical imaging needs in a patient friendly, convenient outpatient environment for the safest, most comfortable exam possible.

Our facility is clean, Safety is our primary concern

Our entire office gets a complete deep cleaning nightly.
Exam rooms and equipment are thoroughly disinfected after each patient, from mammography paddles to the CT & MRI bores, to the exam tables, counters, and areas of patient contact.
We are maintaining CDC and the state of CT guidelines. All staff and patients are required to wear appropriate face masks and staff wear other required PPE. Patients without an acceptable mask will be provided one.

Covid Safety Patient Screening Form

New patient flow in place ensures no contact with other patients

All paperwork can be completed prior to your exam, forms are available on our website.
Patients can choose to checkin in our waiting room or wait in their car.
If you choose to check-in in our lobby, comie in and stop at the front desk, please arrive at your requested time and enter our comfortable clean reception area with your ID, insurance card and order (if applicable) in hand.
If you prefer to wait in your car, when you arrive for your appointment, please call our office (203-453-5123) from your car.
- You will be instructed when to enter where a technologist will greet you at the opened door.
After your exam the technologist will escort you out of the office.
We have staggered patient exam times to avoid congestion and reduce any unnecessary potential exposure.
Please do not bring anyone with you to your exam as we are trying to reduce traffic in our office, special accommodations can be made as needed.

Guilford Radiology is committed to your health and safety.

Kameron Shahid, MD -- Guilford Radiology President
Michael Johnson, MD -- Covid-19 Safety Officer
Sharynn Gendron -- Office Manager

MRI Arthrography MRI Arthrogram Quick Reference Guide for Physicians

Common uses of an MR arthrogram include:

Shoulder to evaluate the glenoid labrum
Hip to evaluate the acetabular labrum
Wrist to evaluate ligament tears
Elbows to evaluate ligament tears
Post operative evaluation of the shoulder and knee.

An MR arthrogram requires the injection of contrast material into the joint being studied. This contrast will aid in the diagnosis of abnormalities on the ensuing MRI.

Patient Preparation

For the MRI exam, if claustrophobia or anxiety is a problem, you may wish to prescribe a mild sedative to be given prior to the study. No other pre-visit preparation is necessary. Patients will need to remove all jewelry, hairclips, pony-tails and bobby pins. In addition, the patient will need to remove all clothing containing metal. This would include bras with metal enclosures and jeans with metal zippers and buttons. Your patient will be provided a gown and a secure locker in which valuables can be placed.

CPT Codes

73222 upper
73722 lower

Weight Limit

Our MRI equipment has a weight limit of 440 pounds.

Ready to Order a Test for your Patient?

Download Requisition Form Here

General MRI Information:

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods.

Contraindications

Patients with cardiac pacemakers, ICD, or neuro-stimulators CAN NOT have an MRI. Patients with pins, plates, screws and joint replacements, stents & filters can have an MRI as long as it has been 6 weeks since placement of the device. Women who are pregnant should avoid having an elective MRI. Women who are pregnant and need an MRI should be individually evaluated for risk vs. benefits and should avoid an MRI in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Risks

Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.

There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such reactions usually are mild and easily controlled by medication. If you experience allergic symptoms, a radiologist or other physician will be available for immediate assistance.

What Happens During the Test?

For the contrast injection, the radiologist will explain the procedure to the patient, and obtain a consent for the procedure. The patient is positioned on the x-ray examination table in the fluoroscopy room. Next, the skin around the joint is cleansed with antiseptic and covered with a sterile drape. The skin and soft tissues are numbed by local anesthetic injected into the area. A needle is then inserted through this numbed skin into the joint space. Contrast material is injected into the joint space and the needle is removed. The patient will experience a slight pinprick and may feel a momentary burning from the local anesthesia used to numb the area. The patient may feel a fullness as the joint is filled with contrast.

For the actual MRI arthrogram study, the patient is then transferred to the MRI scanner. Your patient will be asked to lie down on his back on the scanning table. The table will then slide into the scanning area. During the test, the MRI will make a rapid tapping noise. Your patient’s experience and comfort are of key importance. Therefore, our patients are offered earplugs or a music headset; in addition blankets are also available. Your patient should relax and remain still during the exam. Your patient should plan 60-90 minutes of total clinic time. The scan time can vary from 30-60 minutes depending on the study. Your patient may resume normal activities following the MRI.

The Results

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to the referring physician within 1 business day.