Myelographic findings in spondylosis of the lumbar spine.

Abstract

Lumbar spondylosis can produce nerve root or cauda equina compression. The hypertrophic facet joints, laminal processes and osteophytes of spondylosis may produce defects both at the anterior, posterior and lateral margins of the Pantopaque column in myelography. Multiple constrictions of the oil column in upright lumbar myelography are characteristic features of spondylosis. Differentiating myelographic features of spondylosis from herniation of intervertebral disc are discussed, and 11 illustrated cases are presented. In lumbar spondylosis, the most frequently involved areas, in order of their sequence, are L4–5, L3–4 and L2–3; whereas in herniation of the nucleus pulposus they are L4–5 and L5–S1.