Water soluble radiculography in the erect posture: a clinico-radiological study

A technique for water-soluble radiculography is described involving radiography in the standing and stooping positions. Seventy-eight radiculograms have been reviewed and correlated with clinical and operative findings. Thirty patients had an anterior thecal deformity demonstrated on radiographs exposed in the standing position, which was not completely reduced in the stooping position. Twenty-eight of these patients underwent operation and in 25 patients a disc prolapse was confirmed. Only a small number of patients (11) had a disc protrusion at operation. Of these patients, eight had an anterior thecal deformity on radiographs exposed in the standing position which was completely reduced in the stooping position.