Abstract
Forty-seven patients with surgically confirmed lumbar disc herniation were studied retrospectively to compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with that of myelography and CT-myelography. MRI findings of the disc herniation were classified into five groups according to Tachi's classification. MRI showed a correct diagnosis in 41 of 47 patients, an accuracy of 87.2%. Myelography showed a correct diagnosis in 39 of 45 patients (86.7% accuracy). CT-myelography showed a correct diagnosis in 36 of 43 patients (83.7% accuracy). MRI was more accurate examination in three examinations. MRI findings of multi-level disc herniation were diagnosed in 20 of 47 patients (47.2%). We conclude that MRI is a first choice for the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation. In the case of multi-level disc herniation, however, myelography and CT-myelography are necessary.
