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What Do My MRI Test Results Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016

Question: In the past 6 months to a year I have increasing pain in my lower back and leg. About 2 months the pain has increased to severe pain in my right groin, low back, leg (especially behind the knee), and right foot. I was referred for a MRI due to the increasing pain, tingling, and numbness of my right leg. The MRI results are as follows: L3-L4: Broad annular bulge and a large paracentral disc extrusion causing narrowing in the right lateral recess. Foramina remain patent. Mild end plate hypertrophic changes and a minimal retrolisthesis due to facet disease. L4-L5: Facet arthropathy and annular disc bulge with slight elements of protrusion in both lateral recesses. Mild foraminal narrowing. L5-S1: Unremarkable.

I had back surgery for herniated disc at L3-L4 for whIch the surgeon did a discsectomy. What should be the next course of action? I am waiting now to see neurosurgeon.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
When was the surgery done?Improvement?

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

I have gone through your comprehensive clinical history and I'd like to answer your queries with my best concern.

Before advising on further management plan,I would like to know that when was the surgery done? and how much is the improvement in symptoms after surgery?

I shall be glad to have you in follow-up with details so that I can answer this well further.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (49 minutes later)

My previous was done 02/2006. After that surgery I received complete relief. Since that time I have done very well except when I would overdo with gardening or very strenuous activity. I have a very active lifestyle. I work everyday and spend time with my grandchildren on my days off until about a year ago. Since that time the symptoms have gotten progressively worse to point where I have been missing work. I then went to my family doctor who sent me get steroids injections and also given the medications that I stated earlier. These didn't give much relief so my MD ordered the MRI. The pain had just been in the low back and leg but now has started causing severe groin and leg pain. At times I have had some difficulty voiding.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload your latest MRI report/images.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up and providing further details.

Your clinical history indicates that your disc pathology has worsened and is causing symptoms of lumbo-sacral radiculopathy.

I would be in a better position to advise you,after having a look at your latest MRI.So,please upload its report and the images.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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