Computed tomography in the diagnosis of the lumbar disc herniation

In this study, effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation was evaluated. Twenty CT examinations which were interpreted as positive for a herniated disc, and were comfirmed by myelography, were reviewed. In 19 patients, CT demonstrated posterior protrusion of the disc but in one normal disc. Three typical cases were described. This study suggests that CT accurately demonstrates lumbar disc herniation. (author)