Myelography - what it is and what it shows
Introduction of a contrast agent into the subarachnoid canal of the spinal column and taking pictures of bones, cavities, nerve roots and other structures of the spine is called myelography in official medicine. More recently, x-ray machines were used to carry out such a study, now tomographs provide more informative results. The price of an MRI of the spine with myelography is quite affordable, which allows timely detection of pathologies and their treatment.
When myelography is required
Research of the spine by this method can be carried out with:
- compression fractures;
- discogenic type myelopathy;
- osteochondrosis of the spine in a severe stage;
- any spinal cord injuries;
- arachnoiditis (inflammatory process);
- infectious diseases of the spinal canal or processes.
In addition, as a diagnostic procedure, myelography is performed for suspicion of damage to the nerve roots of the spine, the progression of malignant tumors, problems in the work of the vessels of the vertebral column.
How the procedure is carried out
The technique of myelography of the lumbar spine is clear and non-variable. If the doctor does everything correctly, there will be no complications or serious consequences. But before conducting it, it is necessary to prepare the patient for myelography:
- 8 hours before the procedure, you cannot consume food or any liquids, including water;
- you need to take a sedative drug that will help you relax and stop the vomiting reflex;
- when examining the lumbar region, the intestines must be cleaned (an enema is performed).
Myelography is performed as follows:
- at the site of the future puncture, the skin is wiped with alcohol and treated with iodine;
- a puncture is made with a special needle, and it is inserted until it enters the subarachnoid space - this is controlled by a fluoroscope;
- when the desired cavity is reached, a contrast agent is injected through the needle.
After everything is done, the needle is carefully removed, the skin at the puncture site is again treated with a disinfectant. The doctor can gently tilt the table down - the patient is lying on his stomach and this movement will contribute to the spreading of the contrast liquid along the necessary area of the spinal column.
Myelography of the spine with three-dimensional deconstruction can be obtained only on magnetic resonance imaging. And this procedure is performed for suspicion of fractures and the formation of a malignant tumor. The contrast substance, flowing along the vertebral column, "surrounds" all the irregularities. It is these areas that will indicate pathology. The interpretation of the results is done by a radiologist, and treatment can be prescribed only after obtaining the specialist's opinion.
How is contrast myelography done with an iodine-containing preparation? The algorithm is no different from the one described above, but the following consequences are possible:
- nausea and vomiting;
- non-intense dizziness and headache;
- a taste of salt in the mouth;
- redness of the facial skin.
Immediately after the end of the procedure, the patient is transferred to the ward. During the first 2 days, he must not break his bed rest, but he must drink a lot of water - this will accelerate the removal of the contrast agent from the body. In the next 2 weeks, you need to limit physical activity.
What is myelography and what the results show - you can learn about it at a consultation with specialists. On our Dobrobut.com website, it is possible to make an appointment with a doctor at any convenient time.
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