[Value of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of discopathy in the L4-L5-S1 segment]

The aim of this analysis was demonstration of the usefulness of CT in the diagnosis of lumbar discopathy. In 110 patients with backache, CT of the L4-L5-S1 part of the spine was done. The observed abnormalities were analysed, including presence of nucleus pulposus herniation, pathological changes of osseous structures of the spine, width of the vertebral canal and lateral recesses, and presence of other lesions there. Comparing the results of (CT) and myelography with intraoperative observations it was possible to confirm the high usefulness and value of CT in such cases. CT may be an important diagnostic method preoperatively in patients with iodine hypersensitivity and those with vertebral canal stenosis.