What is the role for arthrography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal problems?
Arthrography is infrequently performed and involves injection of contrast (direct arthrography) into a joint followed by CT or MRI imaging. Historically, detection of small lesions such as glenohumeral labral tears or acute cartilage injuries required arthrography, but modern imaging equipment has decreased the need for the procedure as soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution have improved. Fluoroscopic or ultrasound-guided aspiration, however, remains commonly performed when possible septic arthritis is a clinical concern.
