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Definition
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.
Herniated Lumbar Disc
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Parts of the Body Involved
- Spine
- Vertebral disk(s)
Reasons for Procedure
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
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Pregnancy test
- Determine if you have any allergies
- Possibly prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax
If your doctor prescribes a sedative:
- Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and for help at home after your procedure.
- Do not eat or drink at least four hours before the exam.
- Take your sedative before the exam as directed by your doctor.
- You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses, wigs, and/or nonpermanent dentures.
Also keep in mind the following:
Do not eat solid foods after midnight the night before your exam.Wear comfortable clothing. AnesthesiaYou may receive a mild sedative to help you relax or an anesthetic to reduce the pain of the needles. Description of the ProcedureYou 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 ProcedureYou 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. Possible ComplicationsInfection of the disk spaceNerve root injuryUrticaria (hives) Injection of dye into the dural sacBleedingPulmonary embolismNauseaHeadacheIncreased painAllergic reaction to the contrast agentRisks of radiation to your fetus if you are pregnant Average Hospital StayYou will be able to go home after your exam. Postoperative CareIf 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. OutcomeThe 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 OccursIntense painSymptoms of allergic reaction (eg, hives, itching, nausea, swollen or itchy eyes, tight throat, difficulty breathing)Worsening of your symptoms RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonshttp://orthoinfo.aaos.org North American Spine Societyhttp://www.spine.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Orthopaedic Associationhttp://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Orthopaedic Foundationhttp://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 April 2008 by Robert E. Leach, MDPlease 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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