What gauge needle is typically used for lumbar discography?

Lumbar discography is a procedure used to evaluate the intervertebral discs by injecting contrast material into the disc space. The choice of needle gauge is crucial for ensuring that the procedure is both effective and safe. An 18-gauge needle is typically used in lumbar discography for several reasons.

First, the 18-gauge needle is sufficiently large in diameter to allow for the easy passage of contrast material, which is necessary for visualizing the disc on imaging studies. The larger gauge facilitates a smooth injection of the contrast media while minimizing the risk of needle breakage or occlusion.

Additionally, the 18-gauge needle is sturdy enough to penetrate the hard outer layer of the disc without bending or causing trauma to the surrounding tissues. This is particularly important as the lumbar region can have dense tissues and the needle must be strong enough to accomplish the task with precision.

Using a smaller gauge needle, such as 20 or 22 gauge, might result in higher resistance during the injection, increasing the risk of a slow or difficult contrast administration, which can compromise the quality of the imaging results. Therefore, the 18-gauge needle strikes a balance between optimal access to the disc and minimizing discomfort for the patient, making it the standard choice for this procedure