Diskography is an imaging test. It involves injecting a contrast material into a disk in the spine and taking an x-ray . An x-ray is a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body. The contrast material helps the disk appear more clearly on the x-ray.
This test is used to detect a herniated disk . This occurs when a disk in the spine bulges from its proper place. Disks are small, circular cushions between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine. Herniated disks can press on the nerves and cause severe pain.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have diskography, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Your doctor may instruct you to:
You will lie on your side on a table. A technician will help place you into position. You may be given antibiotics through an IV. You may receive an injection of local anesthetic into the skin on your back. This will be done to reduce pain from the needles.
Your doctor will use an imaging test called fluoroscopy. It combines x-ray technology with a TV screen to help guide needles into the disks. A contrast dye will be injected into the center of each disk. If the disk is normal, the liquid will remain in the center of the disk. If it is abnormal, the x-ray will detect any leaks.
During the exam, you will be asked to rate any pain that is associated with the injections. This can help your doctor find out if it is the abnormal disk that is causing pain. After this test, your doctor may do a CT scan to see the spread of the contrast dye.
The staff will observe you for 30 minutes or more.
If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off.
About 30-45 minutes (an additional 30-60 minutes if a CT scan is also done)
You may have pain from the contrast dye. Pain can last for several hours.
The results will be given to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about the results and treatment options.
After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
North American Spine Society
http://www.spine.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Diskography. North American Spine Society website. Available at: http://www.spine.org/fsp/troubleshooting-diskography.cfm. Accessed May 30, 2007.
Diskography: science and the ad hoc hypothesis. American Journal of Neuroradiology website. Available at: http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/content/full/21/2/241. Accessed June 6, 2007.
Last reviewed October 2009 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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