[Improved interpretation of intra-operative myelography in dorsal spinal instrumentation]

Intraoperative assessment of the spinal canal during dorsal instrumentation for vertebral fractures which narrow the canal is facilitated by myelography. However, the flow of contrast medium around a displaced fragment may result in an erroneous interpretation of canal patency. By performing myelography prior to instrumentation and reduction of the fracture, a chance in myelography-findings after reduction can clearly be caused only by successful repositioning of the displaced fragment. The possibility of an incorrect interpretation of the investigation can thus be reduced.