Discograms - Tristate Brain and Spine Institute

INJECTION
Discograms
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Description of Procedure
This is a procedure in which a contrast is injected into the
middle of the spinal disc under fluoroscopic guidance while you
are awake. Pain is monitored during the injection process.
If the pain is similar to the pain that you have been experiencing,
it is a positive test. With the contrast still in the disc, you will be
taken to the CT scanner for further evaluation of the disc.
This gives further information regarding injury, pathology or
anatomical integrity of the disc.
What should I expect during
and after the procedure?
This is a very painful test as the goal of the procedure is to
reproduce and temporarily aggravate the very same pain that
you have been suffering from.
What are some possible
complications?
The main risk of the procedure is disc space infection, which is
minimized by giving IV antibiotics prior to the procedure. Spine
surgery may be necessary if infection occurs even though it can
generally be treated with IV antibiotics for 6 weeks. The disc can
be destroyed possibly causing chronic low back or neck pain if
infection occurs. The first sign of infection is usually severe neck
or low back pain. Other risks of the procedure include nerve root
injury, nerve root irritation and reactions to the contrast.
* Given the risks involved with the procedure, it should only
be done if spinal fusion is seriously considered, with
patients that have exhausted all conservative
non-operative options.
Please contact your physician immediately if you experience
increasing or new back and/or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or
loss of sensation.
Report signs of infection: redness, warmth, drainage, or a
temperature above 100.4˚F.
Notes
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PROCEDURE
Myelogram
POST OP INSTRUCTIONS
TRISTATE
INSTITUTE
Questions
Call Surgery Scheduling at (320) 763-8888, option 2
TRISTATE
(320) 763-8888
tristatebrainspine.com
INSTITUTE