Medical Tests |
 |
 |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X All Medical Tests
Joint X-ray
Definition
This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.
Alternative Names
X-ray - joint; Arthrography; Arthrogram
How the test is performed
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.
How to prepare for the test
Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.
How the test will feel
The x-ray is not uncomfortable, except possibly from positioning the area being x-rayed.
Why the test is performed
The x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the joint.
What abnormal results mean
The x-ray may reveal arthritis, fractures, bone tumors, degenerative bone conditions, and osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone caused by an infection).
The test may also be performed to investigate the following conditions:
- Acute gouty arthritis (gout)
- Adult still's disease
- Caplan's syndrome
- Chondromalacia patellae
- Chronic gouty arthritis
- Congenital dislocation of the hip
- Fungal arthritis
- Non-gonococcal (septic) bacterial arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Pseudogout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reiter's syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Runner's knee
- Tuberculous arthritis
What the risks are
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the smallest amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.
Review Date: 3/24/2008
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2003 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Medical Center. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
|
