Tumor involvement of peripheral joints other than the knee: arthrographic evaluation.

Arthrography was performed in 24 patients with tumors in the region of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and ankle. Conventional arthrograms were supplemented by arthrotomograms and/or computed arthrotomograms as necessary. The presence or absence of joint involvement by tumor was correctly identified in 22 of 24 patients (91.7%). It is concluded that arthrography is a reliable method for detecting joint involvement by tumor, and should be performed if plain radiography, conventional tomography, and computed tomography are not definitive in demonstrating joint involvement.