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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Large Central Protrusion/extrusion(7 Mm)indicate?

I have a test I want to know what that mean L4_5demonstrate negligible signal_loos/desiccation,disk height preserved. Facet joints preserved and symmetric. Mild diffuse and rigth lateral bulge mildly impinging on the thecal. Mild right foraminal narrowing, minimal on left.
L5S1 demonstrate mild narrowing and signal_loss/desiccation. Facet joint preserved and symmetric. Large central potrusion/extrusion(7 mm) moderately impinging on the thecal sac. No foraminal narrowing.
Thu, 30 Oct 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing in.

There are small bones in the lower back which form the lumbar spine. These are numbered L 1 through L 5 and have small discs in between. The disc at level L 4 - L 5 is showing loss of water and is called desiccation. This is a degenerative change seen with progressing age.

The L 4 - L 5 disc also shows slight bulging backwards and this is due to wear and tear. It is also compressing the nerve roots passing on both sides, more on the right side.

The L 5 - S 1 disc is also showing decreased water content and degeneration. However at this level the disc is showing a significant posterior displacement measuring 7 mm and this is causing pressure on the covering of spinal cord. The nerve roots are normal at this level.

The above changes can cause variable amounts of back pain. It will help if you can do physiotherapy and take medications to treat nerve related pain. Surgery is not required if you can manage the pain with above suggestions.
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What Does Large Central Protrusion/extrusion(7 Mm)indicate?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. There are small bones in the lower back which form the lumbar spine. These are numbered L 1 through L 5 and have small discs in between. The disc at level L 4 - L 5 is showing loss of water and is called desiccation. This is a degenerative change seen with progressing age. The L 4 - L 5 disc also shows slight bulging backwards and this is due to wear and tear. It is also compressing the nerve roots passing on both sides, more on the right side. The L 5 - S 1 disc is also showing decreased water content and degeneration. However at this level the disc is showing a significant posterior displacement measuring 7 mm and this is causing pressure on the covering of spinal cord. The nerve roots are normal at this level. The above changes can cause variable amounts of back pain. It will help if you can do physiotherapy and take medications to treat nerve related pain. Surgery is not required if you can manage the pain with above suggestions.