What Does "L4-5 Moderate Desiccation Of Disc Material" Mean?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an MRI and the report shows L4-5 Moderate desiccation of disc material. Broad based central disk protrusion with superimposed annular tear. Mild impression upon the anterior thecal sac. Minimal bilateral neural foramina narrowing. What does this mean?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prolapsed intervertebral disc prolapse (PIVD).

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

This means that you have prolapsed intervertevral disc (PIVD) at L4-L5 level. This disc may be compressing upon a nerve root that either exits or traverses through that level.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar