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Joint x-ray - Overview

Alternative Names

X-ray - joint; Arthrography; Arthrogram

Definition of Joint x-ray:

This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.

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.

Reviewed last on: 3/24/2008
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/17/2007).

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