Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations and Associated Structural Abnormalities An Evaluation in 60 Patients of the Comparative Value of CT, MRI, and Myelo-CT in Diagnosis and Management

The management of 60 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniations operated on over a 5-year period are presented. These lesions were located superiorly within the neural foramens beneath or distal to the facet joints. The type of surgery performed in 43 of 60 (72%) of these patients was significantly altered by the presence of diffuse and lateral recess stenosis. This was better appreciated on the myelogram and myelo-CT (M-CT) studies than with the noncontrast CT and MRI examinations alone. Myelo-CT findings were particularly valuable in assessing patients who had previous surgical procedures.