MRI report
September 9, 2011 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch
I received an evaluation of my MRI.
My pain radiates from my intervertebral disc to my left foot very slightly.
Findings:
Height measurements are based on the assumption of a 5-segment lumbar spine. Slightly lower conus (LWK 2). No evidence of significant alignment disorder. No pathological height reduction of the captured vertebral bodies (from mid BWK 11). Age-appropriate inconspicuous representation of the configuration and signal intensity of the intervertebral disc up to the level of LWK 3/4. Slight height reduction of the intervertebral disc LWK 4/5 without significant protrusion. Height reduction and T2 signal loss of the intervertebral disc LWK 5/SWK 1 with dorsomedian protrusion and wide horizontal anular tear, no nerve root contact. Foraminal nerve exits are free. The included SI joints do not show any noticeable bone marrow edema zones.
Assessment:
Significant chondrosis LWK 5/SWK 1 with broad-based, dorsomedian protrusion with wide anular tear, no nerve root compression,
no high-grade spinal or foraminal stenosis.
Dear inquirer,
The conus medullaris corresponds to the end of the spinal cord, which is located at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebra in your case, slightly lower than in the average adult, where it ends at the 1st lumbar vertebra. The vertebral bodies are aligned straight above each other, the captured vertebral bodies have collapsed due to wear or fractures. The intervertebral disc shows a prolapse (bulging towards the spinal cord) between the 5th lumbar and the 1st sacral vertebra with a tear in the fibrous ring of the disc, without causing direct pressure on the surrounding important structures in the X-ray image. Osteochondrosis is a remodeling process in the spine, where the vertebral bodies have to absorb the pressure due to the decrease in the cushioning effect of the intervertebral discs, resulting in flattening. This leads to bony outgrowths at the transition to the intervertebral disc (spondylophytes) and increased wear of the intervertebral joints (spondylarthrosis). If these remodeling processes narrow the spinal canal, it is called spinal stenosis; if they narrow the nerve exit points, it is called foraminal stenosis.
Your orthopedist will review the images and probably prescribe physical therapy for you. Based on your description and the findings, there is currently no reason for surgery. However, only the physician who examines you and reviews the images can assess this.
Hope this information was helpful.
Get well soon,
C. Welsch
