HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Report Says Disc Protrusion With Large Right Posterolateral Extruded Disc Fragment With Caudal Migration. Meaning ?

default
Posted on Fri, 6 Jul 2012
Question: My husband was diagnosed with a "Disc protrusion with large right posterolateral extruded disc fragment with caudal migration" What does this mean, and what is the treatment involved?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (4 hours later)
Hello and thank you for submitting your question.

Your question is a very good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding the findings of the imaging study.

the imaging report has revealed some swelling and bulging of one of the disks in his back. this swelling can sometimes put pressure on certain nerves. This pressure and nerve compression can sometimes lead to symptoms including back pain or numbness and tingling.

It appears also that a tiny portion of the disc seems to have moved from where it generally sits between the bones of the spine. It has moved higher up in the spinal canal. This may be something which can be observed. Often physical therapy and medications can be used to avoid surgery.

If the orthopedic surgeon believes that his symptoms will not improve unless a surgical intervention takes place then he may need a specialized surgery. Generally these surgeries are performed by highly skilled surgeons.

The necessity of surgery will really depend on the degree of symptoms which he is experiencing now as well. I would suggest that if his symptoms are only minor and are not disabling that surgery should be avoided in favor of physical therapy.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Report Says Disc Protrusion With Large Right Posterolateral Extruded Disc Fragment With Caudal Migration. Meaning ?

Hello and thank you for submitting your question.

Your question is a very good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding the findings of the imaging study.

the imaging report has revealed some swelling and bulging of one of the disks in his back. this swelling can sometimes put pressure on certain nerves. This pressure and nerve compression can sometimes lead to symptoms including back pain or numbness and tingling.

It appears also that a tiny portion of the disc seems to have moved from where it generally sits between the bones of the spine. It has moved higher up in the spinal canal. This may be something which can be observed. Often physical therapy and medications can be used to avoid surgery.

If the orthopedic surgeon believes that his symptoms will not improve unless a surgical intervention takes place then he may need a specialized surgery. Generally these surgeries are performed by highly skilled surgeons.

The necessity of surgery will really depend on the degree of symptoms which he is experiencing now as well. I would suggest that if his symptoms are only minor and are not disabling that surgery should be avoided in favor of physical therapy.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert