HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does The Following MRI Result Indicate?

I have the copy of my MRI result. It says that L4-L5: Broad-based posterior disk bulge seen with prominent component left posterolateral. Mild facet degenerative change. There is flattening of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac. AP diameter of the thecal sac the midline measures 9 mm. No neuroforaminal narrowing. L5-S1: Mild facet degenerative change. Slight broad-based posterior disk bulge. there is slight flattening of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac. No significant central canal or neuroforaminal stenosis. Impression: Mild degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1. Mild central canal encroachment at L4-5.Can you explain with easy words?
Mon, 8 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
Radiologist 's  Response
Hello, thanks for the details of your MRI.
There are degenerative or age-related/wear-and-tear changes in the lower aspect of the lumbo-sacral spine (lower back), mainly involving -
1. Facets- these are the small intervertebral joints- involvement is similar to arthritis.
2. Disc- Parts of it bulge/herniated out, with Mild pressure on the spinal cord canal sac, which is located posteriorly.

There is no compression/stenosis of the areas where the spinal nerve roots pass i.e. neuro-foramen, nor is there significant stenosis/pressure on the central cord canal- both of which can give rise to pain.

To summarize, your MRI shows mild degeneration of lower part of spine.
It is important to correlate the report with a history of your symptoms and a physical examination.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Ahmad Khan's  Response
Hello.
Thankyou for contacting HCM.

I have gone through your MRI report and will try my best to simplify it for you. Thecal sacs are basically where spinal canal is present from which nerves emerge which pass out of neural foramina to supply various parts of the body.
When there is narrowing of the thecal sac there is pressure on the spinal cord. Concern arises when this is narrowing significant to the point of presenting as numbness/ loss or altered sensation of limbs or loss of motor function. In that case one needs to consult a neurophysician. Your report has mild degenerative changes which happen with age or minor trauma. For this I would recommend consulting a physiotherapist for advice accordingly.

I hope this answers your query. Please feel free to contact HCM again if you have any concerns.
Wishing you good health.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does The Following MRI Result Indicate?

Hello, thanks for the details of your MRI. There are degenerative or age-related/wear-and-tear changes in the lower aspect of the lumbo-sacral spine (lower back), mainly involving - 1. Facets- these are the small intervertebral joints- involvement is similar to arthritis. 2. Disc- Parts of it bulge/herniated out, with Mild pressure on the spinal cord canal sac, which is located posteriorly. There is no compression/stenosis of the areas where the spinal nerve roots pass i.e. neuro-foramen, nor is there significant stenosis/pressure on the central cord canal- both of which can give rise to pain. To summarize, your MRI shows mild degeneration of lower part of spine. It is important to correlate the report with a history of your symptoms and a physical examination. Hope this is helpful. Take care.