CT  ARTHROGRAM

Confirm the method of injection with the radiologist reading the study.

            1.  Dilute contrast method

            2.  Air contrast method

Note: The dilute contrast method is almost always the preferred method for CT arthrography. Air contrast is a better technique for arthrography without CT

Dilute contrast method:

Contrast:  1 part Omnipaque 300 (or similar) to 4 parts NaCl

Example:  4ml Omnipaque 300 (or similar) to 16ml NaCl = 20ml total

volume

            Volumes:  approximate amounts, should inject easily.  Do not force

                                injection

• Shoulder – 10-14 ml
• Hip – 6-10 ml
• Knee – 25-35 ml
• Elbow – 8-10 ml
• Ankle or wrist – 3-5 ml

Air contrast method: 

Inject contrast first and the appropriate amount of room air as long as it goes in easily.  Do not force injection.

Shoulder: 3-4 ml of Omnipaque and approximately 10 ml of room air 

Knee:  5-6 ml of Omnipaque and 20ml of room air

Elbow:  0.5-1 ml of Omnipaque and 8-10ml of room air

revised 3/21/08