Discographic Findings in the Lumbar Disc Herniations

ABSTRACT

The authors analysed the findings of discograms in the 1355 levels of 900 herniated lumbar disc cases during May 1984 to January 1987. Prior to intradiscal injection of Chymopapain in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, Conray contrast medium was injected. The discographic patterns were devided in five types:I) contained, II) degenerative, III) annular bulging, IV) subligamentous leak, and V) epidural leak type. Among the 5 types, annular bulging type was most common(38.7%). Discography was useful in the determination of a needle placement, intradiscal pathology, and Chymopapain injection or not.