Arthrogram Near Me in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA
MR and CT arthrography near Chula Vista, San Diego performed by MSK fellowship-trained radiologists — image-guided contrast injection paired back-to-back with your MRI or CT for maximum diagnostic accuracy.
Find Arthrogram near Chula Vista
An arthrogram is a two-part study: a radiologist injects contrast directly into the joint under live image guidance, and then you go straight into an MRI or CT scanner. Distending the joint with contrast exposes subtle labral tears, ligament injuries, and cartilage defects that a plain MRI can miss — which is why your orthopedic surgeon ordered one. Our San Diego-area centers perform shoulder, hip, wrist, elbow, and ankle arthrograms with MSK fellowship-trained radiologists. The whole appointment runs about 90 minutes start to finish, you can drive yourself home, and we accept insurance, cash, workers' comp, and PI liens.
Closest Arthrogram locations to Chula Vista
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Common questions about Arthrogram in San Diego
Answers for patients searching for arthrogram near them.
Does an arthrogram injection hurt?
Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain. We numb the skin and joint capsule with local anesthetic first, then use fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the needle precisely into the joint space. The actual injection takes about 30 seconds.
Why can't I just get a regular MRI instead?
Without the contrast distending the joint, subtle labral tears (especially in the shoulder and hip) and partial-thickness ligament injuries can hide between cartilage surfaces. Your surgeon ordered the arthrogram because the answer they need probably can't be seen on a plain MRI.
How long does the whole arthrogram appointment take?
About 90 minutes total at the center. Roughly 15 minutes for the injection itself, then 30–45 minutes in the MRI or CT scanner immediately afterward, with paperwork on either side. Plan a full half-day so you're not rushed.
Can I drive myself home and go back to work?
Yes. We don't use sedation. Your joint may feel full or mildly sore for 24 hours — that's just the contrast and a small volume of saline being absorbed — but you can drive home and resume desk work the same day. Hold off on heavy lifting or sport for 24 hours.
How soon will my surgeon get the results?
Reports are typically delivered to your referring surgeon within 24 hours. If it's a pre-surgical workup with a tight timeline, ask us to flag it STAT and we'll have the read back the same day.