What is the purpose of a discography?

The purpose of a discography is to examine intervertebral disk structures using contrast medium. This procedure typically involves the injection of a special contrast dye into the spinal disc to assess its integrity and to evaluate any pain that may be associated with disc abnormalities. During a discography, fluoroscopy is often used to visualize the distribution of the contrast agent within the disc, which can help identify issues such as tears, herniation, or degeneration. This information can be crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for patients with chronic back pain or other spinal conditions.

Measuring the strength of spinal discs does not capture the primary intent of a discography, as the procedure is not designed to assess mechanical strength. Examining vertebral bones would typically involve imaging techniques specifically targeting bony structures, such as X-rays or CT scans, rather than the function of the intervertebral discs. Evaluating muscle tone around the spine falls under different diagnostic modalities, focusing on musculature rather than the discs themselves, which lie between the vertebrae. Thus, the correct choice highlights the specific role of discography in evaluating intervertebral discs through the use of contrast media.