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Discograms |
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What is a discogram?
A discogram is a diagnostic test performed to view and assess the internal structure of a disc and determine if it is a source of pain. Contrast is injected into the disc space to document the source of your pain.
Why are discograms performed?
In most cases, patients are being considered for surgery. Information gained from the discogram will help determine if surgery is necessary and at what level(s) the fusion should be performed.
Does a discogram hurt?
In this exam, our goal is to reproduce the pain that is causing your symptoms. However, intravenous medication can be given as a relaxant and pain reliever.
What are some of the side effects / complications?
As with any procedure involving a needle, rare complications could be bleeding, infection or neural injury.
What is done to prevent an infection?
The test is done using sterile aseptic techniques with cleansing of the skin with Betadine solution. Antibiotics are usually mixed with the contrast injected into the disc space to minimize the risk of infections.
How you should prepare Do not eat solid foods for 3 hours prior to your exam.If you have an active infection and are taking antibiotics, the medication course must be complete prior to the procedure, to ensure that no infection remains.If you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Ticlid), you will have to stop the medication prior to the procedure. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping any medication to determine if it is safe for you.Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners, including zippers, buttons and snaps.Bring someone to drive you home. We recommend refraining from driving for the rest of the day.Arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration.Bring with you: Your appointment form; insurance information, including your insurance card; valid photo i.d.Please let us know about any of the following: Pregnancy, known or possible; allergies to medications, iodine or x-ray contrast; recent flu shot
What happens prior to the discogram?
A staff member will explain the procedure and prepare you for the examination. If necessary, an IV will be started in a vein so we can give you medicine to relax you during the test.
Image-guided injections
Our injections are image guided, which means that imaging equipment called fluoroscopy (a type of low-dose x-ray) is used to clearly view the area in real time, on a video monitor. This ensures exact placement of the needle during the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
You will lie on an x-ray table on your stomach and your skin will be cleansed with an iodine solution. Local anesthetic will be applied into the areas of the skin where a needle will be inserted. A Suburban Imaging neuroradiologist (a medical doctor with special training in radiology and procedures of the spine) will place a small needle into the disc spaces in your neck or back. Contrast will then be injected into the disc space to try to reproduce your pain. Occasionally, a CT scan will be performed following the discogram to obtain more information about the internal structure of the discs.
What questions will be asked during the examination?
After the injection of the individual disc spaces, you will be asked to rate the intensity of the pain on a scale of 0 to 10. A rating of 0 would represent no pain and 10 would represent extreme pain. We will ask you if the pain is localized or extends into your extremities. We will then ask if it is identical, similar or different from your symptomatic pain.
How long does the test take?
The actual procedure takes about an hour. You will be observed after the procedure, especially if you are given medication to relax during the discogram.
After the examination
A summary of the procedure and the findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your provider will contact you to discuss the results.
You should also follow these instructions: - Medicines that were not allowed for 48 hours prior to the examination may be re-started 24 hours after the discogram. Continue to take your regular medications.
- Have someone stay with you for the first 12 hours to observe in case you need help.
- Do not drink alcohol until the next day.
- Do not drive an automobile until the next day.
- Avoid rigorous activity the day after the examination.
Discograms are available at: Coon Rapids |
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