Abstract

Purpose of review: This article will review recent advances in our understanding of lumbar discography and how it relates to the evaluation of patients with suspected discogenic low back pain. Recent findings: Several recent studies have added to our knowledge of lumbar discography. One interesting area is the use of manometry or pressure monitoring to reduce the incidence of false positive results. The idea that there may be subsets of patients with positive discograms based on pressure measurements is gaining popularity. It also appears that sufficiently high pressures may induce a pain response in otherwise asymptomatic discs. Despite these advances in our understanding, it has been shown that psychosocial factors probably play a greater role in predicting disability. Finally, as we move further into the era of motion preservation and disc arthroplasty the use of discography in the classification of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine may prove to be very helpful. Summary: Lumbar discography remains a valuable tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected discogenic low back pain. Use of manometric or pressure monitoring techniques may help reduce the incidence of false positive results and improve patient outcomes. Careful patient selection and attention to psychosocial factors remain critical to successful management of these patients.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call