Discography

Discography is a diagnostic procedure in which a needle is placed into a lumbar disc to identify whether there is an internal disc disruption. During the procedure, performed under live fluoroscopic imaging, contrast is injected directly into the identified discs. We can then identify the internal anatomy of the disc, as well as whether there is a reproduction of the patient’s pain pattern. This procedure is very important prior to lumbar fusions to identify the exact discs that are causing the pain pattern. It is also used to determine whether or not a patient would be a candidate for any additional pain management treatments, such as Disc Decompression. CT scans are commonly ordered by your physician in conjunction with this procedure, and must be performed immediately following the discography while the contrast remains in the patient’s system.