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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
14:33
Generation, Purification, and Characterization of Cell-invasive DISC1 Protein Species
Published on: August 30, 2012
Provocative discography: Current status
1Programme Office, Singapore Health Services, 7 Hospital Drive, #02-09, Singapore 169611, Republic of Singapore.
Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal
|June 1, 2011
Summary
Provocative discography, an imaging procedure, offers unique anatomical and functional insights into diseased intervertebral discs. It is best reserved for specific patients with persistent low back pain unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Low back pain is a prevalent condition with diverse etiologies, including intervertebral disc disease.
- Provocative discography is an imaging-guided injection into the disc nucleus pulposus.
- It uniquely combines anatomical assessment with functional pain provocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and appropriate application of provocative discography in diagnosing discogenic low back pain.
- To highlight its utility in cases where non-invasive imaging is inconclusive.
Main Methods:
- Injection of contrast agent into the nucleus pulposus under imaging guidance.
- Assessment of disc morphology via radiographs or CT scans.
- Functional evaluation through pain provocation and patient response monitoring.
Main Results:
- Discography provides both anatomical and functional data, unlike standard imaging.
- It is most valuable for selecting surgical candidates with specific disc pathologies.
- Its invasive nature necessitates careful patient selection and technique.
Conclusions:
- Provocative discography is a specialized tool for diagnosing specific causes of low back pain.
- It should not be used as a routine screening method.
- Careful patient selection and meticulous technique are crucial for successful outcomes in discography.
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