Name of the Procedure:

Myelography, Cervical (Myelogram, Cervical Spine Radiography)

Summary

Myelography is a specialized imaging procedure used to assess the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures in the cervical spine (neck). It involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal and taking X-rays or CT scans to visualize abnormalities in the spine.

Purpose

Myelography is used to diagnose spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, and nerve root compression in the cervical spine. The goal is to provide detailed images that help in diagnosing specific issues and planning appropriate treatments.

Indications

• Persistent neck pain with or without radiating pain to the arms
• Numbness or weakness in the arms
• Unclear results from previous imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT)
• Suspected spinal cord or nerve root compression
• Pre-surgical evaluation and planning

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 4-6 hours before the procedure
• Arrangements for transportation after the procedure as some sedation may be used
• Discontinuation of certain medications as advised by the doctor
• Pre-procedure blood tests to ensure normal clotting and kidney function

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on the X-ray table, usually lying on their stomach or side.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the skin and deeper tissues in the lower back.
3. A needle is carefully inserted into the spinal canal to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and inject a contrast dye.
4. The patient may be tilted gently to help the dye move through the cervical spine.
5. X-ray images or a CT scan is taken to capture detailed images of the cervical spine.
6. The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the injection site.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

Setting

Myelography is usually performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist (performs the procedure and interprets images)
• Radiology technologist (assists with imaging and patient positioning)
• Nurses (provide care before, during, and after the procedure)
• Anesthesiologist (if sedation is required)

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Headache or nausea (most common)
• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or spinal fluid leak
• Temporary or less commonly, permanent nerve damage

Benefits

• Detailed visualization of spinal cord and nerve roots
• Accurate diagnosis of spinal conditions
• Provides essential information for planning surgeries or other treatments
• Quick recovery time compared to more invasive procedures

Recovery

• Patients are usually monitored for a few hours post-procedure.
• Rest and hydration are recommended to alleviate headaches and help flush out the dye.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 24-48 hours.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, but may be less effective in certain situations.
• CT Scan: detailed bone imaging but may not provide as much detail on nerve and spinal cord conditions.
• Electromyography (EMG): assesses electrical activity of muscles but does not provide imaging.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel pressure or slight discomfort during the injection.
• Some may experience headaches post-procedure, which can be managed with pain relievers and rest.
• Minimal sedation is sometimes used to help the patient relax.
• Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, with some precautions.

Creating a clear and comprehensive markdown description of the procedure helps ensure patients understand what to expect and how to prepare for their myelography, ultimately aiding in better healthcare outcomes.