Evaluation of the lumbar spine. A comparison between computed tomography and myelography.

The CT scan and the metrizamide myelogram are compared in evaluating multiple disorders of the spine. Examples are shown of degenerative disc disease, including lateral discs, isodense discs, and degenerative changes, which cause varying degrees of stenosis of the spinal canal and neuroforamina. Examples of discitis and neoplastic involvement of the vertebral bodies and spinal canal are also shown. Finally, several examples of dysraphic conditions of the spine are presented. CT examination for disc disease is still most often used as an adjunct to the myelogram. However, as knowledge and experience is gained about its value in diagnosing all abnormalities of the spine, its use will increase, and CT may become the primary method of evaluation, after ordinary radiographs.