Myelography Explained

[Justin]

What is Myelography?

Myelography is an imaging examination that involves the introduction of a spinal needle into the spinal canal and the injection of contrast material in the space around the spinal cord (the subarachnoid space) and nerve roots using a real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

When the contrast material is injected into the subarachnoid space, the radiologist is able to view and evaluate the status of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and meninges, which are the membranes which surround and cover the spinal cord and nerve roots. Myelography provides a very detailed picture (myelogram) of the spinal cord and spinal column. The radiologist views the passage of contrast material in real-time within the subarachnoid space as it is flowing using fluoroscopy but also may take permanent images, called x-rays or radiographs, of the contrast material around the spinal cord and nerve roots in order to document abnormalities involving or affecting these structures. In most cases, the myelogram is followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan to better define the anatomy and any abnormalities.

Click here to read more about Myelography at RadiologyInfo™ --
the Radiology Information Resource for Patients.

• What is Myelography?
• What are some common uses of the procedure?
• How should I prepare?
• What does the equipment look like?
• How does the procedure work?
• How is the procedure performed?
• What will I experience during and after the procedure?
• Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
• What are the benefits vs. risks?
• What are the limitations of Myelography?

[Jesse]

Is Myelography regularly used now? Or is it something you would have to ask to have in order to get a full analysis?

[Justin]

Is Myelography regularly used now? Or is it something you would have to ask to have in order to get a full analysis?

Myelography is warranted when a more detailed view of the spinal canal itself is required. The spinal cord and nerve roots are better visualized as well as bony structures of the spinal canal to help evaluate conditions such as spinal stenosis. A CT scan can also be performed after the myelogram to provide additional data and aid in diagnosis.

One's surgical / medical team would most likely refer a Spine Patient for additional studies such as myelography.

[moorejames]

Thanks for having this up. I'm scheduled for a CT Scan/Myelography on Monday morning. My 3rd opinion surgeon wants a clearer picture before he makes a diagnosis. (there's some conflict between where my symptoms occur and the obviously damaged discs in my neck - per the MRI I had. Plus the MRI was done using an "open" machine and this surgeon really doesn't care for the quality of the images.)

It sounds like a lot of fun

Fortunately, I've gotten somewhat used to being a pin cushion...