Discogram

At The Bonati Institute, we may use discograms before surgery to locate the exact areas needing surgery. A discogram is an enhanced x-ray, used to examine spinal discs to determine whether they are causing pain, are torn, or are about to rupture. Some doctors use them to determine whether you need an advanced treatment, such as surgery.

When you get a discogram, you first receive an IV sedative and a pain reliever. Then, a colored dye is injected into the disc or discs being x-rayed to highlight them on the x-ray. Usually, a CT scan is done at the same time to get more images. The whole test takes about an hour, and you will probably take antibiotics afterwards to prevent infection.

Reproduce Symptoms with a Discogram

By injecting fluid into the disc and increasing its pressure, a doctor can tell whether the disc is causing pain. If it can't be pressurized, it usually means the disc is torn or ruptured. If the discogram doesn't reproduce your symptoms or cause some discomfort, it is not the disc that is causing your back or limb pain.

The Bonati Institute performs several procedures that can correct disc problems and relieve your pain. With our endoscopic surgery and a small incision, you'll have less downtime and an easier recovery from surgery than with other procedures. There is no muscle dissection, no general anesthesia, and all of our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. If you are interested in having a Bonati procedure, please contact us today.