Double-contrast arthrography of the elbow.

Overview

Double-contrast arthrography using gravity provides more detail than single-contrast techniques. With gravity, air rises to the uppermost portion of the joint and the positive contrast material settles. The cartilagenous articular surfaces and the synovial lining of the elbow are coated with contrast material and highlighted by the intra-articular air. Cartilagenous intra-articular bodies can be identified and located and the size of cartilagenous encapsulated osseous bodies can be confirmed. This method is faster to perform and easier to interpret than single-contrast studies, exposes the patient less than a tomographic examination, and is helpful before surgical exploration.