Definition

Diskography (or discography) is an imaging test used to detect a herniated disk . It involves injecting dye into a disk (or disc) in the spine and taking an x-ray to determine if there are any leaks.

Herniated Lumbar Disc

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Parts of the Body Involved

  • Spine
  • Vertebral disk(s)

Reasons for Procedure

Diskography is used to detect a herniated disk, which is when one of the disks in the spine bulges from its proper place. Herniated disks press on nerves and can cause severe pain. They can occur when disks dry out, become flatter, and provide less cushioning.

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

  • Allergies, especially to x-ray dye or xylocaine
  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

  • Physical exam and medical history
  • Pregnancy test
  • Determine if you have any allergies
  • Possibly prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax

  • If your doctor prescribes a sedative:

    • Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and for help at home after your procedure.
    • Do not eat or drink at least four hours before the exam.
    • Take your sedative before the exam as directed by your doctor.
    • You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses, wigs, and/or nonpermanent dentures.

  • Also keep in mind the following:

  • Do not eat solid foods after midnight the night before your exam.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.

Anesthesia

None, unless you receive a mild sedative to help you relax or an anesthetic to reduce the pain of the needles.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on one side of a table, and the technician will help place you into position. You may be given antibiotics through an intravenous line. You may receive an injection of local anesthetic into your skin to reduce the pain of the needles.

Your doctor will use an imaging procedure called fluoroscopy, which combines x-ray technology with a television screen, to help guide a series of needles into one or more of your vertebral disks. A contrast liquid will be injected into the center of each disk. If the disk is normal, the liquid will remain in the center of the disk; if it is abnormal, the x-ray will detect any leaks.

During the exam, you will be asked to rate any pain that is associated with the injections, since this can help your doctor determine if it is the abnormal disk that is causing your pain.

Oftentimes, your doctor will perform a CT scan after diskography to visualize the spread of the contrast liquid.

After Procedure

You will likely be kept for observation for 30 minutes or more.

How Long Will It Take?

30-45 minutes (a CT scan will add an additional 30-60 minutes)

Will It Hurt?

Depending on your condition, you may feel pain as the contrast liquid passes through your disk. This pain can persist for several hours and may be associated with some residual muscle pain.

Possible Complications

  • Infection of the disk space
  • Nerve root injury
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Injection of dye into the dural sac
  • Bleeding
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Increased pain
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast agent
  • Risks of radiation to your fetus if you are pregnant

Average Hospital Stay

You will be able to go home after your exam.

Postoperative Care

  • If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.
  • If breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to wait at least 24 hours after the exam before breastfeeding again, due to the contrast agent.

Outcome

The results of your diskography will be given to you and/or your primary physician. Your doctors can use the results of your diskography to determine if surgery may be beneficial in reducing your pain.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Intense pain
  • Symptoms of allergic reaction (eg, hives, itching, nausea, swollen or itchy eyes, tight throat, difficulty breathing)
  • Worsening of your symptoms