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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does L4-L5 And L5-S1 Facet Joint Arthropathy On CT Scan Mean?

I got my CT Scan report today and its says as follow verbatim: There is a straightening of the lumbar lordosis. Severe L4/5 and moderate L5/S1 facet joint arthropathy is present. At the L5/S1 level, a moderate sized broad based disc bulge is present with a focal right paracentral disc protrusion that causes mild to moderate right paracentral thecal compression. Mild bi lateral neural exit foraminal narraowing is present. at the L4/5 level, a small right paracentral braod based disc bulge is present with facet joint arthropathy that cause mild right paracentral thecal compression. Mild bilateral neural exit foraminal narrowing is present. What does this mean in a nut shell? Thank you!
Mon, 30 Nov 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hello

MRI findings may suggests degenerative changes in lumbar spine.
Degenerative changes are generally age related findings.It is due to chronic stress on annulus fibrosis.
There is also straightening of lumbar spine,it may be due to muscular spasm.
There are severe facet (bony joints in between two vertebra)arthropathy changes at L4-5 and moderate arthropathy at L5-S1 level.
At L5-S1 level,there is moderate broad based disc bulge with focal right paracentral disc protrusion and it is causing mild to moderate right paracentral compression on thecal sac.There is mild narrowing of bilateral lateral neural canal.

At L4-5 level, there is a small right paracentral broad based disc bulge which is causing mild compression on right paracentral thecal sac.There are also mild narrowing of bilateral lateral neural canal.

Majority of degenerative disc disease patients are benefited by conservative treatment in the form of physiotherapy,analgesics and muscle relaxants.
Surgery is advised in non responding cases.
Physiotherapy helps in strengthening of paraspinal muscles and it prevents further changes.

You need proper evaluation by a neurologist.

Get well soon.
Take Care
Dr.Indu Bhushan
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What Does L4-L5 And L5-S1 Facet Joint Arthropathy On CT Scan Mean?

Hello MRI findings may suggests degenerative changes in lumbar spine. Degenerative changes are generally age related findings.It is due to chronic stress on annulus fibrosis. There is also straightening of lumbar spine,it may be due to muscular spasm. There are severe facet (bony joints in between two vertebra)arthropathy changes at L4-5 and moderate arthropathy at L5-S1 level. At L5-S1 level,there is moderate broad based disc bulge with focal right paracentral disc protrusion and it is causing mild to moderate right paracentral compression on thecal sac.There is mild narrowing of bilateral lateral neural canal. At L4-5 level, there is a small right paracentral broad based disc bulge which is causing mild compression on right paracentral thecal sac.There are also mild narrowing of bilateral lateral neural canal. Majority of degenerative disc disease patients are benefited by conservative treatment in the form of physiotherapy,analgesics and muscle relaxants. Surgery is advised in non responding cases. Physiotherapy helps in strengthening of paraspinal muscles and it prevents further changes. You need proper evaluation by a neurologist. Get well soon. Take Care Dr.Indu Bhushan