An Analysis of Cervical Discography with Surgical Verification

HIS report presents the results of our study of cervical discography and the findings at operation. Cervical discography has not been previously evaluated in this manner. Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of preoperative cervical discography and to correlate discographic and myelographic findings. The anterior surgical approach usually precludes inspection of the posterior aspect of the interspace, while the posterior approach (cervical laminectomy), affords ample opportunity to observe the disc for evidence of protrusion or osteophytes. From June, 1958, through December, 1966, cervical laminectomy was performed on 42 patients who had previously been examined by cervical discography. In this group, 49 interspaces were inspected at operation. Pantopaque myelography was used to evaluate 36 of the 49 interspaces. Method