Comparison of myelography, CT myelography and magnetic resonance imaging in cervical spondylosis and disk herniation. Pre- and postoperative findings

Twenty-six patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy caused by spondylosis or disk herniation were examined with myelography, CT myelography and MR. Fourteen of the patients were operated upon and 11 of them underwent postoperative MR and CT. The three radiologic methods provided comparable information about narrowing of the subarachnoid space and compression of the spinal cord. It was more difficult to distinguish bone from soft tissue with MR only, but the combination of MR and conventional radiography gave sufficient information for this differentiation. When radiologic nerve root sheath deformity was compared with clinical radiculopathy, myelography, CT myelography and MR had similar sensitivity and accuracy. Postoperative MR could reveal remaining indentation on the thecal sac and the cord but CT without contrast medium was useful as a complement to determine the aetiology of the indentation. Because MR has several practical advantages, it is well suited as the primary imaging modality, together with conventional radiography, for the preoperative radiologic evaluation of patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Postoperative MR is useful in patients with persistent or new symptoms.