Interpret MRI: - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

boxrz · 09-10-2003, 04:59 PM

Help me intrepret my two MRI's please?

1997 MRI:
At C5-6: There is slight narrowing of the intervertebral disc space abnormal annular morphology. A 3.0mm right posterolateral disc protrusion is identified. There is extension of the annulus into the entry zone of the right neural foramen. Effacement along the right ventral-lateral aspect of the thecal sac is noted. The central canal is at the lower limits of normal in size. There is moderate to moderately severe right-sided foraminal stenosis. There is minimal to mild stenosis of the left neural foramen.

2003 MRI:
Extensive disc degenerative change, C5-6, with some evidence of segmental instability manifested by mild retrolisthesis of C5 on C6. Overall mild to moderate canal narrowing at C5-6, secondary to combination of retrolisthesis and disc/osteophyte complex. C5-6 moderate right and mild left neural foraminal narrowing. Anterior and posterior mild proliferative changes and end plate reactive changes at C5-6, with no focal protrusion identified.

Does no focal protrusion mean I don't have a herniated disc? That would be great!!!!

Thanks wonderful people, for any help you could provide.

Boxrz

Mizcriz · 09-10-2003, 08:21 PM

Sorry that I can't specifically help you with the the terminology, HOWEVER, there are a couple of great sites to check out that may be able to help you. One can be found at ... [url="http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/familymedicine/FPHandbook/Chapter16/01-16.html"]http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/familymedicine/FPHandbook/Chapter16/01-16.html[/url]
another is....
*************.com

With these sites, you should be able to get definitions of at least some of what you're looking for.

Good Luck,
Miz

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Changes on new MRI 8/18/03
L5-S1 is now a herniated disk'
L4-L5 is now a bulging disk with annular tears.
L1-L2 and L2-L3 are showing disk dessication as well as decreased height. LOL.. it just keeps getting better.

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Injured 5/2/01 in a fall. 43 yr old. Suffering with Sciatica with tingling and numbness on the buttock, leg and entire foot. Recently has started being symptomatic in the right leg, as well. MRI 2/03 Showed straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis. L4-L5 bulging disk assoc. with posterior spondylytic changes. Effacing the ventral thecal sac. Slight hypertrophic changes of the superior articulating facets. L5-S1 central bulging disk with annular tear. Effacing the ventral thecal sac. Disk desiccation is evident at the L5-S1. Assoc. end plate degenerative changes involving the inferior and superior aspects of the L5 and S1. Mild hypertrophy of the superior articulating facets and ligamentum flavum. EMG of 4/03 shows basically a normal read, however the Dr. did note that the left tibial velocity and the left sural sensory nerve latencies are reading borderline.

Mizcriz · 09-10-2003, 08:23 PM

Ok...I'll try that second one again. Spine Universe @ com.

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Injured 5/2/01 in a fall. 43 yr old. Suffering with Sciatica with tingling and numbness on the buttock, leg and entire foot. Recently has started being symptomatic in the right leg, as well. MRI 2/03 Showed straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis. L4-L5 bulging disk assoc. with posterior spondylytic changes. Effacing the ventral thecal sac. Slight hypertrophic changes of the superior articulating facets. L5-S1 central bulging disk with annular tear. Effacing the ventral thecal sac. Disk desiccation is evident at the L5-S1. Assoc. end plate degenerative changes involving the inferior and superior aspects of the L5 and S1. Mild hypertrophy of the superior articulating facets and ligamentum flavum. EMG of 4/03 shows basically a normal read, however the Dr. did note that the left tibial velocity and the left sural sensory nerve latencies are reading borderline.

mel333 · 09-11-2003, 08:27 AM

Hi, I'm no expert but they did mention foraminal stenosis on both the right abd left side of your c5/6. I also interpret the rest as a protrusion, since they mention indentation of the thecal sac and nerve compression. So, see a NS or Ortho and discuss the results. What are your symptoms? arm pain? headaches?
Mel

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23rd July 03, ADR c5/6

boxrz · 09-11-2003, 12:52 PM

Thanks, Mel, for the reply. Yes to all of the above symptoms - neck, shoulder and arm pain on the Right, shoulder and neck pain on the left. Pain goes from dull ache (practically constant) to shooting and stabbing pains. Numbness is intermittant in the Right arm / hand only. Headaches are frequent, neck stiffness is constant. 3 doctors (2 ortho and 1 NS) have suggested ACDF but, frankly, I'm scared to do it. Is there any danger in waiting, ya think? ( I WANT TO HEAR NO )

Thanks again.