Is positive-contrast myelography of value in acute cervical spinal cord injury?

Positive-contrast myelography in 30 patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury has not provided any information of clinical value. Reference to the literature does not provide a definite set of indications for myelography in acute spinal cord injury. An attempt has therefore been made to evaluate the indications for this procedure. The potential hazards of myelography in patients with acute spinal cord injury are discussed. Specific contra-indications are described. Difficulties in the radiological interpretation of the usual myelographic appearances in spinal cord injury are mentioned. The advantages of negative-contrast myelography are briefly described. It is concluded that there is a very limited indication for positive-contrast myelography in acute spinal cord injury.