The role of radiculography in the management of lesions of the lumbar disc.

The operative findings in two very similar groups of patients after laminectomy for lumbar disc lesions were assessed. In one group of 55 patients mefrizamide radiculography was always performed before the operation but in the other historical confrol group of 65 patients Myodil myelography had only rarely been done. The results showed that the incidence of positive findings at operation was remarkably similar in both groups, being 89 per cent and 91 per cent respectively, and that whilst myelography was often very helpful it was sometimes frankly confusing.