Why a Myelogram?
It is an effective means of identifying spinal lesions caused by disease or trauma. It is relatively safe and painless examination. Often Myelography is performed when other tests—such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not provided adequate information. For patients who cannot have an MRI exam for any reason, Myelography may be performed, followed by a CT scan. Myelography can identify a herniated or ruptured intervertebral disc. A myelogram can accurately located the disc(s) involved, and show whether disc tissue is pressing on nerves connected to the spinal cord. This information is especially important when surgical treatment is a possibility. People with spinal arthritis sometimes develop sharp outgrowths of vertebral bone called bone spurs; these may press on spinal nerves and cause pain. Here again, a myelogram can indicate whether surgery might help. The exam also can identify a condition called spinal stenosis where the entire spinal can
