Prolapsed lumbar disk: value of CT in diagnosis.

A group of 40 patients with symptoms of prolapsed lumbar disk, seven of which were recurrent after surgery, was studied by computed tomography. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by myelography and posterior surgery. Computed tomography was performed after the disappearance of myelographic contrast medium. Positive herniated disk was shown by computed tomography in 88%. In postoperative cases, computed tomography after intravenous contrast enhancement favored the recognition of postoperative scar, rather than recurrent herniation. Computed tomography also facilitated the diagnosis of spondylotic lesions, which may accompany herniated disks. Computed tomography should reduce the need for myelography, which is reserved for cases with doubtful computed tomographic findings.