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You didn't say why your operation was a failure. Are there signs on X-ray that the fusion didn't take? Is there still motion at that segment? Or are you having persistent pain and decreased function despite good X-ray findings?
Either of these situations occurs in up to one-third of all spinal fusion patients. Further testing may be needed to get to the root cause of the problem. Myelography may be done.
The myelogram is an X-ray of the spinal cord and the space around it. A needle is inserted into this space to inject a special dye. Myelography can show changes in the normal shape of the spinal cord, spinal canal, and spinal nerve roots. It is a good way to find spinal lesions caused by disease or trauma.
Your doctor may also order an MRI. Studies show that MRI may be better than a myelogram to show the different changes in the spine. MRI can show fibrosis and disc problems. Ask your surgeon what he or she would recommend as a next step for you based on results so far.
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