What is a discogram?

Discography is the injection of X-ray dye into the center of a disc. It is strictly a diagnostic test which helps Dr. Harries locate the source of your pain. It is usually followed by a CT scan. Discography has two purposes firstly, to determine whether a disk is painful, and secondly, to evaluate the disc for internal abnormalities.

What will happen during the procedure?

You will be asked to lie on your stomach and will be made as comfortable as possible. Sedation will be given through an IV. The skin will cleaned thoroughly and a sterile drape will be placed over you. The skin will be numbed prior to the procedure. Using an X- ray machine for guidance, Dr. Harries will then position a needle in the middle of the disk. The nerves to the leg pass very closely to the track of the needle and can be irritated a little by the needle. X-ray dye will then be injected into each disk in turn. You will need to tell us if you experience any pain, where you feel it, and whether the pain is your normal pain that troubles you. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area, and subsequently have a CT scan. Sedation may affect your memory. Depending on how the sedation has affected you, the results may be discussed with you on the day of the procedure or at a separate follow up visit. You will be given a prescription for some pain medication prior to leaving.

Will the discogram be painful?

Discography works by provoking painful disks, so transient discomfort is to be expected if indeed your pain is coming from a disk. The pain induced by discography usually subsides within minutes. Normal disks should not be painful however you may still have a sensation of fullness or pressure even when the normal disks are injected.

What are the risks or side effects associated with discography?

The greatest worry is infection. For this reason we perform the procedure using sterile technique, give you antibiotics prior to the procedure and include antibiotics in the X-ray dye we inject. Disc infection is a rare but serious complication. The risk increases if you are diabetic or have any other ongoing infection. If you receive antibiotics or are suspected of having any infection please call us. Similarly if you have any open sores please call.

 

What if I do not get my usual pain during the discogram?

This eliminates the disks as a source of pain.

 

If the discogram reproduces my usual pain what next?

This depends upon the appearances of the disk at the time of discography and on the CT scan. Possible treatments include intra-discal electrothermal therapy (IDET), disc decompression or surgery.