Evaluation of lumbar discography as a modality to diagnose disc as a cause of low back pain

Dr. Saurabh Pagdal; Dr. Mahavir Dugad; Dr. Sunil Nadkarni; Dr. Madan Hardikar

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2017

Evaluation of lumbar discography as a modality to diagnose disc as a cause of low back pain

Dr. Saurabh Pagdal, Dr. Mahavir Dugad, Dr. Sunil Nadkarni, Dr. Madan Hardikar

Abstract :

Purpose to study the role of provocative discography along with disc morphology as a diagnostic modality to diagnose disc as a cause of low back pain. Methods Prospective observational study was conducted involving 34 patients who underwent procedure of discography as a diagnostic modality for chronic low backache. Study was conducted between 2012 and 2014. Results In our study 25 patients had abnormal disc shape and 9 patients had normal shaped disc (p value < 0.0001). Of the 25 abnormal discs irregular shaped disc (38.23%) ,fissured disc (26.47%), and ruptured disc (8.82%). 25 patients showed positive provocative discography and 9 patients showed negative provocative discography (p value < 0.01). On an average 4ml dye was used. Conclusions Discography is still a viable option as a diagnostic modality to diagnose disc as a cause of low backache. When multiple level discs are involved, it helps to determine which level is the cause of pain.