Need advice, please - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

ADSUFTIN · 10-12-2005, 12:46 PM

My husband got results of his MRI today. This is what it says:
1. At c5/c6, there is a prominent posterior ostheophyte/disc complex effacing the anterior subarachnoid space. There is narrowing of the neural foramina bilaterally. There are anterior ostheophytes. there is narrowing of the disc height.
2. There is a small central disc protrusion c6/c7.
3. There are anterior osteophytes c6/c7.
4. There is no central servical spine stenosis.
5. There are no focal abnormalities of the cervical spinal cord, which is normal configuration and signal intensity.

My question is: does he need a surgery? This is his second MRI in 5 months. The first one said that there is mild to moderate spinal stenosis (recent MRI states that that there are no spinal stenosis-where did it go?). With the first MRI 4 neuros said that he needs fusion at c5/c6/c7. I did not get reply from my neuro that recommended 2nd MRI. The reason that it was recommended is that my husband's symptoms (leg muscle spasms, numbness and tingling) went away almost completely. All 4 surgeons said that leg symptoms is the sign of the maelopathy. He still have occasional numbness in his hands and arms. He has no pain at all.

In you opinion, given an MRI result, will he need surgery?

Any response will be greatly appreciated.

hugo eve · 10-12-2005, 02:41 PM

Hi

My opinion.... No. But go easy on himself ie No playing Grid Iron! Me mum had a traction device when I was little one and spent a lot of time in it to help her slipped discs in her neck. From a little kids perspective it looked like a B&D torture chamber (not that I knew what that was then, of course!). Anyway back to the point, she is now in her 80's and has never had surgery and has no problems and hasn't used the device or anything else for decades. I suspect her conditions was far worse than your old man's.

Mmmm...... a hereditary problem?

Hugz

Welded C4567

notpain · 10-12-2005, 09:12 PM

Reread the first report. Anterior Osteophytes will probably not interfere with nerve function. Posterior Osterophytes narrowing the foraminal canals certainly could interfere if they get worse. Stenosis is narrowing - you can have foraminal stenosis and not spinal stenosis. Ostephytes cause stenosis at that level. I would investigate the C5/6 Problem further with the new Neurologist.

Remember that the radiologists often use different doctor language to explain the same thing. What is a bulge vs. a protrusion. The most important part is whether there is spinal cord compression. If it were me I would be very careful with my posture, get the opinion of the new Neurologist, and put the surgery off. You can always have it later (As long as there is not danger to permanent nerve damage).

ADSUFTIN · 10-13-2005, 02:38 PM

Thanks for answering. The first MRI had 2 large protrusions at C5/C6 and C6/C7. The second MRI had only one small protrusion at C6/C7. Where the other one go? Is protrusion the same as herniated disc? And if osteophytes cause stenosis, how come there are no mentioning either spinal stenosis or foraminal stenosis on the 2nd MRI report? What signal intensity means?

Thanks again for answering.

wimpette · 10-13-2005, 03:02 PM

Many herniated discs resolve spontaneously on their own especially in the neck which might explain why his symptoms have improved and the second MRI shows a significant difference. You should check with the neuro who ordered the MRI and see what is opinion is, your husband might just get away with nothing for now except conservative therapy.

Let us know what happens,
W