The value of spinal computed tomography in diagnosis of herniated lumbar discs.

In this study the diagnostic value and topographical accuracy of spinal computed tomography (CT) in hte preoperative diagnosis of lumbar disc herniations were tested in 36 patients with surgically proven herniated discs. All patients also underwent metrizamide myelography. CT findings and myelograms were compared and correlated with the surgical observations. Especially in demonstrating exact diagnosis (lateral or more medial protrusion), and in showing the extent of upward or downward displacement of free disc material, CT provides valuable preoperative information. As a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, spinal CT scan may replace lumbar myelography in many patients with radicular lumbar pain.