An evaluation of discography in the localization of symptomatic levels in discogenic disease of the spine.
On the basis of a review of 507 patients, discography was a reliable diagnostic procedure in determining the symptomatic level in discogenic disease of the cervical and lumbar spine. The value of discography of the spine is as both a functional and anatomical assessment. Its value in the cervical spine is largely as a functional assessment, with reproduction of the patient's specific pain pattern on a consistent basis at a particular level. It is a reasonably simple procedure, provided that adequate radiographic facilities are available, and strict adherence to aseptic technique is carriet out. The performance and interpretation requires a considerable amount of skill and experience. However, it is a useful adjunct to solving the perplexing problem of the surgical management of pain in discogenic disease of the spine.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography