Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
Which classification of joints are studied with arthrography? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Synovial joints
Other than conventional radiography of synovial joints (e.g., arthrography), which imaging
procedure is preferred by physicians for studying synovial joints? - CORRECT
ANSWER - MRI or CT
List the three common forms of knee injury that may require arthrography: - CORRECT
ANSWER - 1. Tears of the joint capsule
2. Tears of the menisci
3. Tears of ligaments
Give an example of nontraumatic pathology of the knee joint indicating arthrography. -
CORRECT ANSWER - Baker's cyst
What are the two primary contraindications for arthrography of any joint? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Allergic reactions to iodine-based contrast media and local anesthetics
True/False: An arthrogram must be approached as a sterile procedure. Proper skin prep and
sterility must be maintained. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
True/False: After the contrast medium is introduced into the knee joint, the knee must not be
flexed or exercised. - CORRECT ANSWER - False; needs to be flexed to distribute
contrast media
What is the normal appearance of synovial fluid? - CORRECT ANSWER - Clear and
tinged yellow
,List the two types of contrast media used for a knee arthrogram: - CORRECT ANSWER -
1. Positive or radiopaque media such as iodinated, water-soluble contrast agent
2. Negative or radiolucent contrast agents, such as room air, oxygen, or carbon dioxide
List the two routine projections for conventional radiographic projections used for knee
arthrography: - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. AP
2. Lateral
On average, how many exposure are taken of each meniscus during fluoroscopy of the knee? -
CORRECT ANSWER - Nine images per meniscus
How many degrees of rotation of the leg are used between exposures? - CORRECT
ANSWER - 20 degrees
What four aspects of shoulder anatomy are demonstrated with shoulder arthrography? -
CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Joint capsule
2. Rotator cuff
3. Long tendon of biceps
4. Articular cartilage
What is the general name for the conjoined tendons of the four major shoulder muscles? -
CORRECT ANSWER - Rotator cuff
What type of needle is commonly used for shoulder arthrograms? - CORRECT
ANSWER - 2 3/4-3 1/2" spinal needle
List three clinical indications for a shoulder arthrogram: - CORRECT ANSWER - 1.
Chronic pain
2. General weakness
3. Suspected tear in the rotator cuff
, List the six projections frequently taken during a shoulder arthrogram: - CORRECT
ANSWER - 1. AP Scout
2. AP internal rotation
3. AP external rotation
4. Glenoid fossa (Grashey) projection
5. Transaxillary (inferosuperior axial) projection
6. Intertubercular (bicipital) sulcus projection
Postoperative (T-tube) cholangiograms are usually performed to detect:
A. Pancreatitis
B. Biliary Stones
C. Liver Cyst
D. Infected gallbladder - CORRECT ANSWER - B. Biliary Stones
True/False: A surgeon usually performs T-tube cholangiography during a colectomy. -
CORRECT ANSWER - False
Which two blood chemistry values must be checked before a postoperative (T-tube)
cholangiogram? - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. BUN
2. Creatinine
Why are the contrast media for a T-tube cholangiogram occasionally diluted before injection? -
CORRECT ANSWER - Contrast media that are too concentrated may obscure small
stones in the biliary ducts
True/False: Bile is sterile, and standard precautions do not apply when handling it. - CORRECT
ANSWER - False