Diskography (or discography) is an imaging test used to detect a
herniated disk
. It involves injecting dye into a disc in the spine and taking an
x-ray
to determine if there are any leaks.
Diskography is used to detect a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when discs in the spine bulges from its proper place. Discs are small circular cushions between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine. Herniated discs press on the nerves and can cause severe pain.
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
Do not eat solid foods after midnight the night before your exam.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Anesthesia
You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax or an anesthetic to reduce the pain of the needles.
Description of the Procedure
You will lie on one side of a table. A technician will help place you into position. You may be given antibiotics through an intravenous line. You may receive an injection of local anesthetic into your skin to reduce the pain of the needles.
Your doctor will use an imaging procedure called fluoroscopy, which combines x-ray technology with a television screen, to help guide a series of needles into one or more of your vertebral disks. A contrast liquid 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 determine if it is the abnormal disk that is causing your pain.
Oftentimes, your doctor will perform a
CT scan
after diskography to visualize the spread of the contrast liquid.
After Procedure
You will likely be kept for observation for 30 minutes or more.
How Long Will It Take?
The procedure a takes about 30-45 minutes. A CT scan will add an additional 30-60 minutes.
Will It Hurt?
Depending on your condition, you may feel pain as the contrast liquid passes through your disk. This pain can persist for several hours and may be associated with some residual muscle pain.
Risks of radiation to your fetus if you are pregnant
Average Hospital Stay
You will be able to go home after your exam.
Postoperative Care
If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.
If breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to wait at least 24 hours after the exam before breastfeeding again, due to the contrast agent.
Outcome
The results of your diskography will be given to you and/or your primary physician. Your doctors can use the results of your diskography to determine if surgery may be beneficial in reducing your pain.
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
Intense pain
Symptoms of allergic reaction (eg, hives, itching, nausea, swollen or itchy eyes, tight throat, difficulty breathing)
Worsening of your symptoms
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.
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.
