Clinical Evaluation of Cervical Water-soluble Metrizamide Myelography via C1-2 Puncture

ABSTRACT

A total of 32 cases of cervical myelography via lateral c1-2 puncture using water-soluble metrizamide was evaluated. Twenty seven cases were suspected to have herniated cervical disc and five cases, spinal cord tumor. Patients were placed in prone position with head and neck slightly extended on the radiolucent operating table. Puncture was performed using 22-guage spinal puncture needle placed at the junction of the middle and posterior one-third of the bony spinal canal and 4-6mm inferior to the arch of atlas on lateral projection. The needle was positioned posterior to the spinal cord into the subarachnoid space. The author could obtain more clear images with less amount of contrast medium than doses used in conventional cervical myelography via lumbar route. The were relatively few adverse reactions and no considerable complications have been encountered with a new cervical water-soluble metrizamide myelography via C1-2 puncture.