Despite widely used spinal computer tomography with sagittal reconstruction (CT) and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the clinical practice, myelography (MG) using nonionic contrast agents remains an important diagnostic tool during operation.
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of intraoperative control by means of MG, during the surgeries for the injury-caused spinal stenosis.
Materials and methods
Results of surgical treatment in 17 patients with thoracic and lumbar spine injuries were analyzed. 12 patients had a complex closed spinal cord injuries after falling from a great height, 5 were injured in a car accident. All the patients were operated within one till 3,5 months after the accident.
Results and conclusions
Intraoperative MG let develop differentiated surgical tactics. Myelography conducted during operation, let diagnose the reversal of spinal stenosis and spinal subarachnoid space.
The analysis of the intraoperative control provided to patients with spinal injuries showed, that myelography let diagnose the state of spinal subarachnoid space during operation, as well as after the correction of a strong kyphotic spinal deformity. It also let diagnose the reversal of spinal stenosis, which is needed to determine further tactics and extent of operative interference.
The obtained results on the use of intraoperative MG proved its higher effectiveness, which let reduce operative interference and avoid excessive laminectomy in 82,4% of patients.
The work is submitted to Scientific Conference "The Problems of International Integration of Educational Standards", England (London) - France (Paris), April 20-28, 2009. Came to the Editor´s Office on 04.02.2009.