Demonstration of cervical spinal canal before and after fusion operation

With the help of myelography using "oil soluble" positive contrast media, it is possible with a horizontal beam and a prone patient to outline the dorsal limit of the vertebrae and to estimate the degree of disc protrusion in the cervical region. In order to demonstrate the effect of anterior "ventral" fusion and especially the removal of the disc protrusion a large number of patients were again subjected to myelography following operation. It was; therefore, desirable that the contrast medium instilled pre-operatively should be mobilized in order to achieve such a demonstration in the cervical region. The method of operative myelography are described and illustrated by photographs.