Accuracy of ultrasonic evaluation of lumbar intervertebral discs by an anterior approach

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sonography of the lower lumbar intervertebral discs. The results in 50 patients were compared to lumbar myelography. A short description of the sonographic appearance of the normal and pathological lumbar disc is given. The sonographic examination was inconclusive in 18% of the patients because of obesity, meteorism or diminution of the intervertebral disc space. In nearly half of these patients a herniation was found at myelography and confirmed at surgery. The study revealed a sensitivity varying from 0.63 to 0.77. Compared to lumbar myelography and CT scanning we find this too low to support its addition in lumbar disc disease because of non-invasiveness or lack of radiation alone.