Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
C5-C6 Mild Diffuse Disc Osteophyte Complex With Anterior CSF Effacement. What Does It Mean?
Question: what does c5-c6 mild diffuse disc osteophyte complex with anterior CSF effacement mean
Hi,
Thank you for contacting Healthcare Magic.
The findings you have mentioned are usually found on MRI scan of the cervical spine. Disc is the soft tissue located between two vertebral bodies. Osteophytes are minimal bulgings of bone at the edges of vertebral bodies. Disc osteophyte complex refers to the bulging of disc along with osteophyte formation at C5-C6 level (between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebral bodies).
Disc osteophyte complex can lead to mild compression (effacement) of the CSF space. CSF is the cerebrospinal fluid located around the spinal cord and covered by meningeal sheath (membranous covering). In the case you have referred above, there is effacement of this CSF. This generally does not lead to any problems.
If the disc prolapse is more severe along with bigger osteophytes, it can lead to further compression, and the nerve roots may get compressed. At this stage, symptoms such as arm pain, tingling and numbness of arms may begin.
As of now, there is no significant compression and there is no need to worry. Physiotherapy along with neck extension exercises would suffice at this stage.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have further queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Health City, Hyderabad
Thank you for contacting Healthcare Magic.
The findings you have mentioned are usually found on MRI scan of the cervical spine. Disc is the soft tissue located between two vertebral bodies. Osteophytes are minimal bulgings of bone at the edges of vertebral bodies. Disc osteophyte complex refers to the bulging of disc along with osteophyte formation at C5-C6 level (between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebral bodies).
Disc osteophyte complex can lead to mild compression (effacement) of the CSF space. CSF is the cerebrospinal fluid located around the spinal cord and covered by meningeal sheath (membranous covering). In the case you have referred above, there is effacement of this CSF. This generally does not lead to any problems.
If the disc prolapse is more severe along with bigger osteophytes, it can lead to further compression, and the nerve roots may get compressed. At this stage, symptoms such as arm pain, tingling and numbness of arms may begin.
As of now, there is no significant compression and there is no need to worry. Physiotherapy along with neck extension exercises would suffice at this stage.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have further queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Health City, Hyderabad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
That was a Mri done two years ago and there is more on the mri as well. Level above at that time said Level of ACDF with some susceptibility artifact....this is the level I had the neo disc put in
Thank you for getting back.
The findings reported on your MRI at C5-6 are common in many people, and are not related to neo disc. It occurs in many people especially with increasing age and with more wear and tear. Suceptibility artifact is the finding due to ACDF and it is of no adverse clinical significance.
Please get back if you require any further clarification.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
The findings reported on your MRI at C5-6 are common in many people, and are not related to neo disc. It occurs in many people especially with increasing age and with more wear and tear. Suceptibility artifact is the finding due to ACDF and it is of no adverse clinical significance.
Please get back if you require any further clarification.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
