what does an arthrogram show?

I am to have an arthrogram done on my shoulder for a suspected labral tear. My question is how big of an area does this test show? I have a lot of pain at my collar bone (as well as in the shoulder) and am wondering if this area is included in the test. Also I have an anaphylactic reaction to shellfish, can this test be done on me? (I will be driving about 2 hours to get this test done and don't want to get there to be told it can't be done)

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

An arthrogram is used to check a joint to find out what is causing your symptoms or problems within your shoulder joint. It depends on the area of the scans and the contrast material used.

An arthrogram uses X-rays and a contrast material (such as a dye, water, air, or a combination of these) to take pictures and to understand your joint.

Tell your radiologist about your concerns and about your allergy so that he will keep a steroid or antihistamine shot for emergency.
Pain in your clavicle can also be interpreted by normal X-rays (for any fracture, displacement) and can be correlated clinically by your orthopedician.

Take care!

[KeyD]

Thanks, I've already had xray and regular MRI and they were normal. Dr is looking for a labral tear. I have pain in the shoulder and clavical, neck and scapula. Do the non dye contrast material work as well?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The contrast media will be helpful for the joint cavity to diagnose soft tissue injuries like labral tears.

An arthrogram may be more useful than a regular X-ray because it shows the surface of soft tissues lining the joint as well as the joint bones. A regular X-ray only shows the bones of the joint.

Your radiologist will see tendons, ligaments, cartilage and your joint capsule.

Take care!

[annieoakley]

HI,  HOPE U ARE NOT DRIVEN YERSELF AFTER THIS...  I HAD ONE DONE NOT LONG AGO IT WAS VERY VERY PAINFULL,,AND AFTER I COULD HARDLEY LIFT MY ARM TO DRIVE,tHE REASON I HAD ONE WAS BECAUSE 2 MONTHS AGO I HAD ROTATOR AC REPAIR SURGERY AND HAD WORSEPAIN AFTER,,JUST HAD SURGERY AGAIN APRIL 2ND THEY FOUND SURGEON HAD ANCHORED THE SUPERSCAPULAR NERVE TO THE TENDON,,STILL HAVE ALOT OF PAIN HOPEING THERE ARE NO OTHER ANCHOR STICHES IN WRONG PLACE

[KeyD]

no I don't plan to drive, thanks! I spoke with the radiologist today, he certainly makes it sound simple. He said I should be premedicated for 24 hours prior to test.