investigations
Last reviewed 10/2020
The investigation of lumbar disc prolapse should include:
- lumbar MRI:
- the definitive investigation if the facility is available
- plain X-rays:
- of limited benefit in the investigation of lumbar disc disease
- may reveal loss of a disc space or spondylolisthesis
- it is more important in excluding other causes, e.g. metastatic bony changes
- radiculography:
- may show a filling defect in the theca on an AP or lateral view
- may show obliteration or displacement of the nerve root sleeve
- spinal CT:
- may detect small, laterally-placed protrusions which may be missed on radiculography
- shows hypertrophied facet joints and the diameter of the spinal cord
- electromyography:
- denervation in the muscles supplied by the affected roots may be shown
- a low specificity test