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CSC DiagnosticsMyelogramsA myelogram is a test that is most helpful to examine the spinal canal and spinal cord. During this test, a special x-ray dye is placed into the spinal canal sac. This will require a spinal tap to be performed by the radiologist. This procedure is performed by inserting a small needle in the lower back and into the spinal canal. Through the needle, dye is injected which mixes with the spinal fluid. The dye lights up on x-rays; Therefore, when the X-ray is taken, the dye outlines the spinal cord and nerve roots so that disc and bone spur problems can be seen. To conduct the myelogram, the patient lies on a tilting table. As the table tilts, the movement of the dye shows the outline of the spinal sac. X-rays are taken as the patient is titled to show the flow of the dye through the spinal region, helping doctors determine if there is any unusual indentation or an abnormal shape. This indentation could be from a herniated or bulging disc, lesions, tumors, or injury to the spinal nerve roots. The myelogram is often combined with a CAT scan to get a better view of the spine in cross section. In many cases, the MRI has replaced both the myelogram and the CAT scan. Sometimes the myelogram still shows the problem better than the MRI, but today it is used less frequently than the MRI.Click Here For More Information Examples: (Click image to enlarge)
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