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What Do My Lab Test Results Indicate?
Question: At C3-4 I have a 1-2 midline disc bulge. C4-5 a lobulated, 3-4 mm disc protrusion which extends to the right neural foraminal exit zone causing a moderate to high grade exit zone compromise. Mass effect is seen upon the cord with flattening of the cord and evidence of myelomalacia. Spinal stenosis is also seen. C5-6 has disc space narrowing present with a 3-4 mm disc protrusion which is causing a high grade left neural foraminal exit zone compromise without spinal stenosis. C6-7 has a 2-3 mm left paracentral disc protrusion resulting in moderate central compromise of the left exiting nerve root. No spinal stenosis identified. These are my results, where do I go from here? Is this significant enough to seek a surgeon? My primary care doctor ordered the MRI and pretty much just handed me the results.
Brief Answer:
Consider surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Cervical spinal cord stenosis and, especially, myelomalacia requires surgical intention and evaluation.
It is important in your case to correlate the MRI findings with symptoms and neurological findings, before to decide about surgery and this can be done by a spine Surgeon or Neurosurgeon.
In my opinion, regarding to MRI results you uploaded, there is need for surgical decompression ( posterior laminectomy from C4 to C7 with or without stabilization ) in order to improve your condition and prevent further deterioration ( such paresis, walking, bowel and bladder problems ) that may result if stenosis and myelomalacia progress.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Take care.
Consider surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Cervical spinal cord stenosis and, especially, myelomalacia requires surgical intention and evaluation.
It is important in your case to correlate the MRI findings with symptoms and neurological findings, before to decide about surgery and this can be done by a spine Surgeon or Neurosurgeon.
In my opinion, regarding to MRI results you uploaded, there is need for surgical decompression ( posterior laminectomy from C4 to C7 with or without stabilization ) in order to improve your condition and prevent further deterioration ( such paresis, walking, bowel and bladder problems ) that may result if stenosis and myelomalacia progress.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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