Cervical myelography of nerve root avulsion injuries using water-soluble contrast media.

Eight cases of cervical nerve root avulsion injury are presented which were investigated by cervical myelography using a water-soluble contrast medium. The previous literature describes the appearances of this lesion using an oil-based agent and has resulted in emphasis being placed on looking for a traumatic meningocele rather than an abnormality of the roots themselves. The excellent definition of the nerve rootlets and axillary pouch that are obtained with a water-soluble contrast medium resulted in more root lesions per patient being detected than with an oil-based medium. There was complete correlation with the surgical findings at all but one root level explored. The appearances of root avulsion injuries and the advantages of using a water-soluble contrast medium are discussed.