Discography

During a discography, a water-soluble contrast medium is directly injected into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the Kambin triangle [^1].

Application

A discography is performed for the evaluation of discogenic back pain in patients where conservative therapeutic measures for chronic back pain have not been successful and where a possible surgical intervention is considered[^2]. If there is a strong suspicion of discogenic back pain with a possible surgical repair being considered, a discography may also be discussed[^3]. The test is controversial in the literature and is rarely performed today.

Risks

There is a risk of iatrogenic spondylodiscitis due to the performed injection.

Imaging