MYELOGRAPHY—Diagnostic Value in Lesions of the Lumbar Intervertebral Discs with a Variation in Technique

Abstract

Myelography using pantopaque in greater than usual amount with a variation in technique, which is described, is believed to provide increased accuracy in differential diagnosis and precise localization of lesions in the lumbar spine. The need for multiple space exploration is eliminated and more detailed information concerning the size and shape of lesions is provided as compared to that secured by the use of 3 or 6 cc. of opaque medium and fluoroscopic examination alone. In 53 cases in which lumbar myelography was performed and the diagnosis verified or disproved at operation, there was a 5 per cent diagnostic error in 41 instances in which the method outlined was used, as compared with 17 per cent error in 12 cases in which only 3 or 6 cc. of radiopaque material and fluoroscopy alone were used. The accuracy of the procedure would appear to warrant its use in the evaluation of patients suspected of having abnormalities of the lumbar discs associated with nerve root compression.

Full text

PDF

• 464
• 465
• 466
• 467
• 468
• …
• 471
• Next

Images in this article

Figure 1.
on p.464

Figure 2.
on p.465

Figure 3.
on p.465

Figure 4.
on p.465

Figure 5.
on p.466

Figure 6.
on p.466

Figure 7.
on p.467

Figure 8.
on p.467

Figure 9.
on p.468

Figure 10.
on p.468

Figure 11.
on p.469

Figure 12.
on p.469

Figure 13.
on p.469

Figure 14.
on p.470

Figure 15.
on p.470

Figure 16.
on p.471

Figure 17.
on p.471