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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Midline Protrusion At L3-L4 With Facet Arthopathy Mean?

What does broad based bulging with more focal midline protrusion at L3-L4 along with facet arthropathy. This causes mild to moderate canal narrowing and thecal sac compression. Stable postoperative changes L4-L5 with slight retrollsthesis and disc bulging.
Tue, 2 May 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

The report you provided describes findings from a radiologic study, most likely an MRI or CT scan, of the lumbar spine. Here's what the terms in the report mean:
* Broad-based bulging: This refers to a bulging of the intervertebral disc, which sits between two adjacent vertebrae in the spine. A broad-based bulge means that the disc bulges outward over a wider area rather than being limited to a specific spot.
* Focal midline protrusion: This means that there is a more prominent bulging or protrusion of the disc material in the center of the spine at the L3-L4 level.
* Facet arthropathy: Facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae in the spine. Arthropathy refers to any disease or condition that affects these joints. In this case, there is facet arthropathy at the L3-L4 level, which may be contributing to the compression of the spinal canal and thecal sac.
* Mild to moderate canal narrowing: The spinal canal is a space in the center of the spine that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. Canal narrowing can occur when there is pressure on these structures from a bulging disc, bone spurs, or other causes.
* Thecal sac compression: The thecal sac is a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Compression of the thecal sac can occur when there is pressure on it from a bulging disc or other structures in the spine.
* Stable postoperative changes: This refers to changes in the spine that were noted in a previous imaging study and have remained stable over time. In this case, there are postoperative changes at the L4-L5 level, including slight retrolisthesis (backward displacement of the vertebra) and disc bulging.

Overall, the report suggests that there are degenerative changes in the spine at the L3-L4 level that are causing compression of the spinal canal and thecal sac. The facet of arthropathy may be contributing to these changes. Treatment options for these findings may include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. It's best to discuss these findings and treatment options with your healthcare provider.

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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What Does Midline Protrusion At L3-L4 With Facet Arthopathy Mean?

Hi, The report you provided describes findings from a radiologic study, most likely an MRI or CT scan, of the lumbar spine. Here s what the terms in the report mean: * Broad-based bulging: This refers to a bulging of the intervertebral disc, which sits between two adjacent vertebrae in the spine. A broad-based bulge means that the disc bulges outward over a wider area rather than being limited to a specific spot. * Focal midline protrusion: This means that there is a more prominent bulging or protrusion of the disc material in the center of the spine at the L3-L4 level. * Facet arthropathy: Facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae in the spine. Arthropathy refers to any disease or condition that affects these joints. In this case, there is facet arthropathy at the L3-L4 level, which may be contributing to the compression of the spinal canal and thecal sac. * Mild to moderate canal narrowing: The spinal canal is a space in the center of the spine that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. Canal narrowing can occur when there is pressure on these structures from a bulging disc, bone spurs, or other causes. * Thecal sac compression: The thecal sac is a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Compression of the thecal sac can occur when there is pressure on it from a bulging disc or other structures in the spine. * Stable postoperative changes: This refers to changes in the spine that were noted in a previous imaging study and have remained stable over time. In this case, there are postoperative changes at the L4-L5 level, including slight retrolisthesis (backward displacement of the vertebra) and disc bulging. Overall, the report suggests that there are degenerative changes in the spine at the L3-L4 level that are causing compression of the spinal canal and thecal sac. The facet of arthropathy may be contributing to these changes. Treatment options for these findings may include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. It s best to discuss these findings and treatment options with your healthcare provider. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician