Relationship of side effects to patient position during and after metrizamide lumbar myelography.

A prospective study of 189 patients was performed to determine the type and incidence of side effects as a function of patient positioning after metrizamide lumbar myelography. Results indicated no difference in side effects if the patients are kept in bed or allowed to ambulate, as long as their heads are elevated above 45 degrees from horizontal. However, the incidence of complications is significantly reduced if conus or lower thoracic spine views are obtained with the patient in supine position.