[Risk and value of conventional myelography with reference to the radiation burden of the patient]

To estimate the effective equivalent dosage with reference to the area under examination and the foils employed, fifty patients underwent conventional diagnostic myelography, after which, by means of thermoluminescence surface dosimetry, the mean organ dosage was ascertained from the radiation field size, using a computer program ORDOS. Effective equivalent dosage can be used to determine the inherent risk of radiation injury involved. The risk-benefit ratios obtained would suggest that conventional myelography, prospectively in the form of digital myelography, and spinal computer tomography are not opposing but complementary approaches to spinal diagnosis. Spinal magnetic resonance (MR) merits discussion not from the aspect of exposure to radiation but that of availability.