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What is it?
A discogram
is a diagnostic test that is performed to view and assess the
internal structure of a disc and determine if it is a source of
pain.
How is it done?
The patient is given intravenous medication as a relaxant and
pain reliever. A local anesthetic is injected into the patient's
skin in the area that is being examined.
A needle is inserted through a previously placed needle in the
skin and into the disc under fIuoroscopy. A saline solution and
radiopaque dye are injected into the disc or discs if more than
one disc is being examined. A CT scan is usually performed on
the painful disc after the dye is injected to obtain images of
the dye distribution. This will demonstrate anular tears, scarring,
disc bulges and changes in the nucleus of the disc.
Expected results:
· Recreation of painful symptoms if the disc/discs is abnormal.
· Confirmation of a diagnosis and/or determination of which
disc/discs is the source of pain.
How long does it take?
Thirty minutes or longer plus an additional thirty minutes if
a CT is indicated plus recovery time of several hours.
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