[Possibility of error and difficulties in the computerized tomographic diagnosis of lumbar intervertebral disk prolapse].

In 310 computed axial tomograms of the lumbar spine which were studied retrospectively a number of pitfall situations were encountered. These in part were related to technical limitations, in part to degenerative joint disease and to postoperative hypertrophic scar formation. It became evident that the position of the disc within the intervertebral space may vary to a certain degree, a phenomenon not to be mistaken for disc protrusion.