Plain film radiographic findings in lumbar disc protrusion: correlation with computed tomography iohexol myelography

A retrospective study was devised to determine the correlation between plain film radiographic findings and computed tomography iohexol myelography in the recognition of lumbar disc protrusion. A group of 61 patients who had chronic low back pain seen in Taitung Mackay Memorial hospital from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1988 was studied. In comparison of 207 lumbar disc protrusion, reaching an accuracy close to 80% but cannot distinguish between disc bulging or herniation. Spur formation correlated to a lesser extent. Subluxation of facet joints, discogenic sclerosis and vacuum phenomenon were all specific to disc protrusion; however, their rare occurrences have limited their usefulness in the recognition of disc protrusion.