Discogram
The discogram helps the physician see the problem and treat the pain.
Definition | Procedure | Complications | After the procedure | Call the doctor | Contact us
What is a discogram?
A discogram is a special procedure used to determine whether a suspected disc is causing back or leg pain. A special dye is injected into the disc and x-rays are taken to look at the disc. This gives the physician information about the disc so he/she can see what is causing the pain.
Why do we do discograms?
The back is a complex structure and it is not always clear what is causing the pain. The discogram helps the physician see the problem and treat the pain. Sometimes a patient has more than one abnormal disc on an MRI, however that doesn't mean the abnormal discs are causing pain. Discograms help us know which discs are causing pain and which discs are abnormal but do not cause symptoms.
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What happens the day of the discogram?
- A nurse will call you several days before the procedure to review the procedure and give specific instructions.
- You will check in at the Radiology Department on the 1st floor of the B building unless otherwise instructed.
- You and your child will be taken to a procedure room and your child will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- Most patients lie on their stomach.
- Your child's skin will be cleaned with special soap, (iodine) and the local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be placed using a tiny needle.
- X-rays are used to guide the needle into the disc.
- X-ray dye is injected into the disc so the physician can tell if it is abnormal.
- Antibiotic solution is injected into the disc at the end of the procedure, to help prevent infection.
- After the medication is injected, your child will be permitted to roll onto his/her back and be brought to the pre-procedure room.
- Your child will be discharged with follow-up instructions given.
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What are the complications of a discogram?
A discogram is an invasive procedure and does have some risks. Rare complications include but are not limited to, bleeding, nerve damage and headache. Discitis, or an infection of the disc, is also a potential complication. If this occurs patients may need to have the infected disc removed and will need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics. In order to minimize complications, the procedure is done under sterile conditions and we inject the disc with an antibiotic after the procedure. Your child will also receive a dose of intravenous antibiotics prior to the procedure.
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What should we expect after the discogram?
You may find that your child's pain gets worse initially. His/her physician may order a small amount of pain medication for the first 2 days until the injected medication begins to work. This occurs because placing a needle into an irritated muscle causes more irritation. Your child's pain should begin to decrease approximately 2 days after the injection. Approximately 3 days after the injection, an advance practice nurse will call to see how your child is doing. You can call us for questions or concerns, 513-636-7891. Your child should not participate in any contact sports until advised by his/her doctor.
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When to call the doctor
Call your child's doctor if he/she develops:
- Fever
- Increased back pain
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Written 4/07
