Bilateral arthrography of the wrist

In order to determine the true significance of a positive arthrogram in the investigation of wrist pain, a prospective trial was carried out in 60 patients, using the opposite asymptomatic wrist as a control. Of the 46 patients with positive findings in the symptomatic wrist, 34 (74%), had positive arthrograms in the opposite, asymptomatic, wrist. As a result of this, we conclude that a unilateral arthrogram is of little diagnostic value and we recommend the use of the opposite, asymptomatic, wrist as a control.