[-Cervical myelography using the lumbar route-]

Abstract

Cervical myelography is obtained after injection of contrast medium into the lumbar subarachnoid space through a lumbar puncture. The patient is prone with a large radiolucent block under the pelvis so that the site of lumbar puncture is at a higher level than that of the cervical spine lordosis. Lumbar contrast is injected gently so that the contrast fluid slides along the ventral aspect of the dural sac and immediately reaches the cervical subarachnoid space. Then AP and lateral (with a horizontal X-ray beam) views are obtained. The patient has to remain firmly immobilized during the whole procedure to avoid blending of the contrast medium with CSF. This procedure is safe and allows cervical myelography to reach the same quality as that obtained through cervical puncture.