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What Does This CT Scan Report Suggest?
Question: I have spine OA and after a tumble down 16 steps 2 weeks ago I was ambulanced to hospital where I had a CT scan and X-rays. The CT scan report states "Mild cervical spondylitic change is noted with osteophytes at C5-6 level distorting the anterior spinal theca. Some mild degenerative disease is noted in the mid and lower dorsal spines and at the L4-5 level with chronic vertebral endplate sclerosis is noted." Could you please explain what this means please as I'm still in considerable pain even after having had 8 days in hospital. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Vertebral column previously damaged by OA.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Osteophytes at C5-C6 level distorting the anterior spinal theca means that between C5 and C6 vertebrae are formed bone spurs or bone enlargements that are in contact, or compress the outlining of spinal cord.
Degenative disease of mid and lower dorsal spine means there are damaged or thickened articulations between vertebrae.
Endplate sclerosis means ossification or thickened of articular part ( a part normally formed by cartilage) of vertebrae.
All these changes found in CT scan have been there from long time as conseguences of OA, but trauma worsened the symptoms.
Vertebral column is more susceptible to damage in previously degenerated spine.
Since you have a lot of pain, there are probably pinched nerves and compression of spinal cord too, this possibility is assessed better with MRI scan of your vertebral column.
In my opinion, in your case treatment should be conservative and should include NSAID drugs, physical therapy to reduce joint loading and strengthen vertebral column muscles.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
Vertebral column previously damaged by OA.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Osteophytes at C5-C6 level distorting the anterior spinal theca means that between C5 and C6 vertebrae are formed bone spurs or bone enlargements that are in contact, or compress the outlining of spinal cord.
Degenative disease of mid and lower dorsal spine means there are damaged or thickened articulations between vertebrae.
Endplate sclerosis means ossification or thickened of articular part ( a part normally formed by cartilage) of vertebrae.
All these changes found in CT scan have been there from long time as conseguences of OA, but trauma worsened the symptoms.
Vertebral column is more susceptible to damage in previously degenerated spine.
Since you have a lot of pain, there are probably pinched nerves and compression of spinal cord too, this possibility is assessed better with MRI scan of your vertebral column.
In my opinion, in your case treatment should be conservative and should include NSAID drugs, physical therapy to reduce joint loading and strengthen vertebral column muscles.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your reply.
I omitted to say that it is my sacral area that is the most painful now particularly when I need to bend or go up/down steps. What do you think could be causing the really heavy aching feeling in this area of my back. I've had to take extra painkillers this evening after a short car journey earlier as a passenger. Getting in and out of the car was extremely painful too.
I omitted to say that it is my sacral area that is the most painful now particularly when I need to bend or go up/down steps. What do you think could be causing the really heavy aching feeling in this area of my back. I've had to take extra painkillers this evening after a short car journey earlier as a passenger. Getting in and out of the car was extremely painful too.
Brief Answer:
Probably lumbosacral instability.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Worsening of pain two weeks after trauma of a previously damaged spine, even sacral bones, should be assessed further by imaging means to evaluate probable instability at lumbosacral joint.
Imaging studies are of paramount importance in your case.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Probably lumbosacral instability.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Worsening of pain two weeks after trauma of a previously damaged spine, even sacral bones, should be assessed further by imaging means to evaluate probable instability at lumbosacral joint.
Imaging studies are of paramount importance in your case.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you once again for your prompt answer.
I shall make an appointment to see my GP in the morning. However, in your opinion, are there any particular questions, etc, I should be asking as I like to take a sensible approach and know a little beforehand?
I shall make an appointment to see my GP in the morning. However, in your opinion, are there any particular questions, etc, I should be asking as I like to take a sensible approach and know a little beforehand?
Brief Answer:
Questions and discussion topics.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX
You can ask and discuss with your GP about these topics about your condition:
- the degree of degenative column damage related to OA.
- possible new spinal damages related to trauma such fracture of vertebral column, instability or spondylolysthesis.
- neural structures damage degree
- appropriate imaging studies ( plain radiographs, MRI) to evaluate clinical doubts
-treatment modalities ( NSAID drugs, physical therapy)
-alternative treatment possibilities
- expected recovery time
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Questions and discussion topics.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX
You can ask and discuss with your GP about these topics about your condition:
- the degree of degenative column damage related to OA.
- possible new spinal damages related to trauma such fracture of vertebral column, instability or spondylolysthesis.
- neural structures damage degree
- appropriate imaging studies ( plain radiographs, MRI) to evaluate clinical doubts
-treatment modalities ( NSAID drugs, physical therapy)
-alternative treatment possibilities
- expected recovery time
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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