The role of magnetic resonance imaging in lumbar disc disease

The authors analyze 30 cases of herniated lumbar disc, comparing the clinical features with the magnetic resonance images and the intraoperative findings. In 10 cases it was possible to compare MRI with computerized tomography as well. This paper confirms, in agreement with the international literature, the great diagnostic value of this new imaging study. While MRI is non-invasive and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, it provides an amount of information that could previously be obtained only by combining CT with myelography and discography.