Key result
Computed tomography was 92% accurate in predicting herniated nucleus pulposus compared to 88% for myelography, with CT being significantly more accurate at the L5-S1 level (92% vs 70%, p<0.01).
Why the study?
Does computed tomography improve diagnostic accuracy for herniated nucleus pulposus compared to myelography in patients with back pain and radiculopathy?
Population
188 patients with back pain and radiculopathy who underwent 244 disk space explorations
Comparison
Computed tomography (CT) vs Myelography
Design
Cohort
Authors
Loading...
CT may be more accurate than myelography for L5-S1 herniation; observational data leaves open practice change.
Observational (n=188)
Does computed tomography improve diagnostic accuracy for herniated nucleus pulposus compared to myelography in patients with back pain and radiculopathy?
Absolute Event Rate: 92% vs 88%
Computed tomography is a highly accurate, noninvasive method for diagnosing herniated nucleus pulposus, significantly outperforming myelography at the L5-S1 level.
Fries et al. (1982) conducted an observational in Back pain and radiculopathy with suspected herniated nucleus pulposus (n=188). Computed tomography (CT) vs. Myelography was evaluated on Accuracy in predicting herniated nucleus pulposus. Computed tomography was 92% accurate in predicting herniated nucleus pulposus compared to 88% for myelography, with CT being significantly more accurate at the L5-S1 level (92% vs 70%, p<0.01).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: