Diskography Overview

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.

Herniated Lumbar Disk © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Test

Your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam and medical history
• Pregnancy test—this test is not usually done on pregnant women
• Determine if you have any allergies
• Possibly prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax

Your doctor may instruct you to:

• If prescribed a sedative:

• Arrange to have someone drive you home from the care center. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.
• Take the sedative as directed by your doctor.
• Before the test, remove any metal objects from your body (eg, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures).

Description of the Test

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.

After Test

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.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30-45 minutes (an additional 30-60 minutes if a CT scan is also done)

Will It Hurt?

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.

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.