Imaging
Cervical Disc Protrusion
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Cervical Disc Protrusion
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cervical disc protrusion.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of cervical disc protrusion.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Cervical Disc Protrusion
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Noncontrast extradural protocol MRI of the cervical spine in patients without a history of prior neck surgery
In patients with prior neck surgery, the first-line for diagnosis is a contrast extradural protocol MRI of the cervical spine
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cervical disc protrusion.
Advantages
The patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation.
Are able to differentiate granulation tissue from recurrent disc
Disadvantages
Time consuming
Requires significant patient cooperation to minimize motion artifact
Expensive
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
Patients who contain non-MR-compatible hardware
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
CT myelography
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of cervical disc protrusion.
CT myelography
Advantages
May be performed in patients with non-MR-compatible hardware
May be performed much faster than MRI exams
Disadvantages
Exposes the patient to ionizing radiation
Invasive procedure with additional risks
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
CT myelography
Patients allergic to iodinated contrast
Patients with renal failure
Relative contraindication in pregnancy
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