Discograph - Plain and Axial

Wang, Jin Man

Abstract

Lumbar discography was described as the clinical diagnostic method by Lindblom in 1948, but its clinical value is still controversial. There are many false positive on lumbar discography. As CT scans are new widely available, axial discography only deserve to evaluate accureately. In 41 patients of lower back apin, radiating pain & claudication that was not improved with conservative treatment for 2 weeks, plain and axial discography were performed. The results were as follows :l. Among the 41 patients, herniated lumbar disc swere 19 cases, lumbar syndromes were 8 cases, spondylolisthesis were 8 cases and spinal stenosis were 6 cases. 2. Among the 95 level of discography, the level of L4-5 & L5-Sl were 81%. 3. The incidence of pathologic discs classified by Quinnell classification and Dallas discography description at plain axial discography were 65%, 74%, respectively. 4. Among the 19 cases of operated herniated lumbar discs, false negative and false positive plain discagraphy were 21%, 11%, respectively. And false negative axial discography is 5.3%. 5. There was a significant relationship between pain on provocation test and degeneration of discs. 6. We can confirmed the pathologic discs prior to operation.