Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
You currently have no access to view or download this content. Please log in with your institutional or personal account if you should have access to through either of these
The Bone & Joint Journal Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from The Bone & Joint Journal

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

The relationship of complications to the time between myelography and discectomy



Download PDF

Abstract

This paper describes the relationship between post-myelographic symptoms and the timing of a subsequent spinal operation. A prospective study was performed comparing the post-operative symptoms of patients who underwent discectomy within 48 hours of myelography (Group 1) with those of patients who underwent discectomy at least seven days after myelography (Group 2). After myelography there was no statistical difference in the incidence of nausea and headache in the two groups. However, after operation the incidence of headache and nausea was significantly greater in patients who underwent early discectomy. The incidence of urinary retention was significantly greater in Group 1 at 24 hours after operation but not at 48 and 72 hours. We conclude that the temptation to perform discectomy shortly after myelography should be resisted until at least one week has elapsed between the two procedures, except in emergency situations.

For access options please click here