Arthroscopy

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

  • Having had an X-ray of the joint that used contrast material (arthrogram) within the previous 10 days. The contrast material may cause inflammation within the joint that can prevent a clear picture of the joint during arthroscopy.
  • Having arthritis. Joint damage caused by arthritis may make it difficult or impossible to do this procedure.
  • Having some other medical conditions, such as a thickening of tissue (fibrosis) in the joint area or widespread infection (sepsis).

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Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Last Updated: January 28, 2009
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
Arrow PointerWhat Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits