Morbidity of direct MR arthrography
Joseph C Giaconi1, Thomas M Link, Thomas P Vail
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. joseph.giaconi@cshs.org
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|March 24, 2011
Summary
Most patients (66%) experience moderate pain after MR arthrography, typically starting 16 hours post-procedure and lasting about 44 hours. This postarthrographic pain resolves completely within several days.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Pain Management
Background:
- Direct MR arthrography is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Understanding post-procedural pain is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and severity of arthrographic pain.
- To evaluate pain characteristics following intraarticular gadolinium injection for MR arthrography.
Main Methods:
- 155 patients underwent direct MR arthrography.
- Pain was assessed 3-7 days post-injection using an 11-point numeric rating scale.
- Data collected included pain incidence, severity, duration, onset, and resolution.
Main Results:
- 66% of patients reported postarthrographic pain.
- Average pain intensity was 4.8/10, lasting 44.4 hours.
- Pain onset averaged 16.6 hours post-injection; no serious side effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- A majority of patients experience delayed-onset pain after MR arthrography.
- This pain is generally moderate and self-limiting, resolving within days.
- Findings aid in patient counseling and managing expectations.