Incidental lumbo-sacral myelographic abnormalities shown by water-soluble contrast medium

The use of water-soluble contrast media for myelography has not resulted in the demonstration of more incidental findings of abnormality in the lumbo-sacral region than when oily contrast media were used. In a prospective study of 100 adult patients having myelography for other reasons, incidental findings consistent with disc herniation were seen in only 10%. During follow-up of not less than 1 year, none of these 10 patients developed symptoms of lumbo-sacral radiculopathy.