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What Does The MRI Report Indicate?
Had L5 -S1 laminectomy, discectomy and f word ectomy (?) August last year. Had another MRI since due to continued symptoms. Noted changes since pre surgical MRI L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge with prominent hypertrophic facets and thickening ligament flavum. Bilateral mild neural foramina narrowing without central canal stenosis. L5-S1 surgical site - minimal disc bulge and moderate facet hypertrophy. No significant central canal or neural foraminal narrowing. Also L3-L4 mild diffuse disc bulge with facet hypertrophy and ligament flavum thickening. No significant central canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing. What does all this mean in laymen terms? Diffuse Disc Bulge? Prominent hypertrophic facets vs facet hypertrophy? Neural foramina narrowing? Please help and explain. Thanks!
Mon, 20 Feb 2023
Hi,
The MRI report indicates changes in your lower back (lumbar) spine since your surgery.
* A "diffuse disc bulge" means that the disc between two vertebral bones has become swollen or enlarged.
* "Prominent hypertrophic facets" refers to the joints on the back of the vertebral bones that have become abnormally enlarged, likely due to increased stress from the disc bulge.
* "Neural foramina narrowing" refers to the small openings between the vertebral bones that allow nerve roots to exit the spine, becoming smaller.
Overall, the report suggests that there have been some degenerative changes in your lower back since your surgery, which may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms. It's best to discuss the findings in more detail with your doctor, who can provide a more specific interpretation and suggest appropriate next steps.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
The MRI report indicates changes in your lower back (lumbar) spine since your surgery.
* A "diffuse disc bulge" means that the disc between two vertebral bones has become swollen or enlarged.
* "Prominent hypertrophic facets" refers to the joints on the back of the vertebral bones that have become abnormally enlarged, likely due to increased stress from the disc bulge.
* "Neural foramina narrowing" refers to the small openings between the vertebral bones that allow nerve roots to exit the spine, becoming smaller.
Overall, the report suggests that there have been some degenerative changes in your lower back since your surgery, which may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms. It's best to discuss the findings in more detail with your doctor, who can provide a more specific interpretation and suggest appropriate next steps.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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