Water-soluble contrast radiculography of the lumbar region.

Water-soluble contrast radiculography has been used for many years. Earlier contrast media were highly irritant and subjects required preliminary spinal anesthesia but, recently, better-tolerated contrast media such as meglumine iocarmate (Dimer X) and metrizamide (Amipaque) have been used. The findings from 300 examinations with meglumine iocarmate are presented. Methodology is discussed. The diagnostic accuracy of this contrast medium was high and side effects were minimal. Comment is made on the newest spinal contrast medium--metrizamide--and its use in 29 examinations in Canada.