Arthrogram: Caring for your child at home after the procedure

Your child has had an arthrogram​. The information on this page explains how to care for your child at home after the procedure, and when to call for help.

Discharge from the hospital

Most children who have an arthrogram go home the same day. Your child’s doctor will let you know when your child is ready to go home.

Bathing

Your child may have a bath or shower 24 hours after the procedure.

Meals

If your child is feeling well enough after the procedure, they can return to eating what they normally eat. It is important to encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids for 48 hours after the procedure.

Pain relief

It is not uncommon for your child to experience pain or soreness at the site of the injection. After the injection, you should apply an ice pack wrapped in a damp towel to the injection site for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Repeat the ice pack treatment four to six times as needed, waiting an hour between applications. Additionally, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Activity

Your child should relax and not use the arm or leg that was injected for 24 hours after the procedure. After 24 hours, they can go back to regular activity.

Results

The doctor who ordered the procedure will receive the results of your child's arthrogram. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss the results.

When to see a doctor

Call your child's doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Fever greater than 38°C (100.4°F)
• Severe pain at the injection site
• Numbness or weakness in the leg or arm where the procedure was done that lasts more than 24 hours
• Reduction of movement in the arm or leg where the procedure was done
• Leakage at the site of the needle insertion

Be sure to let the Emergency Department staff know that your child had an arthrogram.

At SickKids

If you have any concerns in the first 48 hours, call the Image Guided Therapy (IGT) clinic at (416) 813- 7654 ext. 201804. Speak to the IGT clinic nurse during working hours or leave a non-urgent message.

If you have concerns and it is after working hours, see your primary care provider or go to the nearest Emergency Department. You can also call the Hospital for Sick Children switchboard at (416) 813-7500 and ask them to page a member of your child’s health-care team or the interventional radiology fellow on call.