Lumbar Discography

Lumbar discography is an injection technique used to evaluate patients with back pain who have not responded to extensive conservative (nonsurgical) care regimens. The most common use of discography is for surgical planning prior to a lumbar fusion.

How Is Discography Performed?

The procedure is performed in the operating room under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance. For lumbar discography, you will lie on your stomach.

Is There a Nurse Present During the Procedure?

Yes, a nurse will be present throughout the procedure to monitor your condition and administer intravenous sedation, ensuring your comfort and relaxation. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as EKG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, will be conducted.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The skin over the injection site(s) will be thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the injections will be carried out to accurately target the specific discs in your low back. After the injections, you will be placed on your back or side for further observation.

What Sensations Will I Experience During the Injection?

When a normal disc is injected, you may feel a sense of pressure but not pain. However, when an abnormal disc is injected, you may experience pain. It is important to differentiate whether the pain you feel is your usual pain or different. Our team will guide you through the process, asking for feedback on the presence, location, and similarity of the pain compared to your usual symptoms.

How Many Discs Will Be Injected?

Based on your symptoms and the findings from your MRI, our experienced team will identify the discs suspected to be the source of your pain. These specific discs will be injected to assess their contribution to your condition. Additionally, we will inject a normal disc as a reference point for comparison.

How Long Does Discography Take?

Discography typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of disc levels being injected.

What Is Injected During the Procedure?

During the procedure, an x-ray dye (x-ray contrast) is injected into the discs. This dye helps visualize the structure of the discs and aids in diagnostic evaluation. In some cases, antibiotics may be mixed with the dye to reduce the risk of infection.