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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA discogram, or diskogram, is a test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram may help your doctor determine if your back pain could be caused by an abnormal disk in your spine.
During a discogram, dye is injected under low pressure into the center of several of your spinal disks. Then an X-ray or CT scan is performed to see if the disks are damaged.
Because a discogram is an invasive procedure, it's typically reserved for patients whose back pain persists despite repeated attempts at treatment. Your doctor may use the results of a discogram to help determine a new treatment plan for your back pain or in preparation for spinal fusion surgery.
- Dillon WP. Neuroimaging in neurologic disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=290105. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Discography. North American Spine Society. http://www.knowyourback.org/Documents/discography.pdf.%20Accessed%20Oct.%2020, 2009
- Staiger TO, et al. Diagnostic testing for low back pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Williams KD, et al. Lower back pain and disorders of intervertebral discs. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/165913074-2/0/1584/296.html. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Cohen SP, et al. The ability of diagnostic spinal injections to predict surgical outcomes. International Anesthesia Research Society. 2007;105:1756.
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