title: An investigation of artefacts in lumbar discography.
abstract: An artefact of lumbar discography which can confuse or negate delineation of the nucleus pulposus is presented. This artefact is the inadvertent injection of contrast medium into a cavity which is not the true nuclear cavity. A positive diagnosis cannot be made in this situation, normality has not been proven and, in particular, the presence of a protrusion of the nucleus through the annulus fibrosus may not have been demonstrated. Hypotheses are proposed to explain the occurrence of these artefactual injections.
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D009339:Needles; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media