This is an imaging test that uses a special contrast material to view the spinal cord. Along with an x-ray , the contrast material can help your doctor clearly outline the space containing the spinal cord and nerves. An x-ray is a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body.
This is used to detect problems in and around the spinal cord, such as:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have myelography, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
There is usually no anesthesia with this procedure. Your doctor may give you a mild sedative. You may have local anesthetic to reduce the pain of the needle.
You will lie on your side or face down. Or, you may sit on the edge of a table, leaning forward. You may be given a local anesthetic injection in your back.
Your doctor will insert a needle into the space between your vertebrae. A small amount of fluid will be removed from the spinal canal. Next, the contrast will be injected through the needle. Your doctor will use an imaging procedure called fluoroscopy. This combines an x-ray unit with a camera and a screen.
To take the images, you will be positioned stomach-down on the table. A brace will be against your shoulders. The table will be tipped forward. Next, the doctor will take images of your back. You will hold your breath while the images are taken. You may be asked to turn slightly to one side and then the other.
Often, your doctor will perform a CT scan after myelography. This is to see the spread of the contrast dye.
You may be asked to stay in the exam room while the doctor looks at the images. You will be able to go home after about an hour.
About 30-60 minutes (CT scan will take 30-60 minutes longer)
You will have some pressure or pain when the needle is inserted.
After you leave the hospital, contact 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:
Herniated disc. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated August 2009. Accessed September 22, 2009.
Myelography. American Society of Radiologic Technologists website. Available at: http://www.asrt.org/content/ThePublic/AboutRadiologicProcedures/Myelography.aspx. Accessed September 22, 2009.
Myelography. Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=myelography&bhcp=1. Accessed September 22, 2009.
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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.