[Optimization of the preoperative diagnosis of herniated lumbar disks].

Pneumomyelography (PMG) and discography (DG) were employed to establish the exact diagnosis of Schmorl's bodies in the lumbar spine. Information concerning 101 patients with lumbar osteochondrosis is analysed. PMG was conducted in all patients. DG only in 29. The exact preoperative diagnosis was made in 98% due to PMG and DG and only in 64% of cases without these methods of examination. In view of the use of microsurgical techniques the authors show that additional rediocontrast examination must be conducted in all cases before the operation. They object to wide approaches for searching Shmorl's body during the operation.