Although methodology for the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation is already established, it is true that there are some cases in which decision of the impaired root is hard to make. In such cases operative indication is reserved for some other examinations. Myelography, although very useful, alone cannot be a sufficient tool in all cases. Some cases are misdiagnosed, simply because of the “Negative disc”.
In this study, we analysed corelation between the findings of radiculography, and its effectiveness as a root block.
A hundred cases were studied, all of whom with sciatica underwent both myelography and radiculography. More than 95 percent of patients with radicular symptom and signs got almost complete remission immediately after a root block. The remission 24 hours after block was significantly better in those who were successfully treated conservatively than those who were finally operated.
In conclusion, we found that radiculography combined with root block is a very useful examination in localizing the site and degree of the disc herniation. And it helps us diagnose the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation.
