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What Does "L4-L5 And L5-S1 Disc Desiccation" Mean?

Posted on Sat, 11 Oct 2014

Question: what does all this mean??
1- Diffuse posterior annular bulge with posterocentral annular tear at L4-L5 which is association with flaval hypertrophy causes stenosis of centralcanal and moderate bilateral foraminall narrowing and compression of cauda equina and bilateral traversing nerve roots.

2-L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc desiccation.

3-Diffuse posterior annular bulge with central right paracentral protrusion and annular tear at L4-S1 level causing central canal and bilateral foraminal narrowing and compression uponbilateral traversing nerve roots (R>L)

and is there only last option left is operation?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI suggests degenerative disc disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

I have thoroughly gone through your findings in detail.
MRI findings suggests degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine.It is early in your case.
Degenerative changes occurs in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis.

1.At L4-5 and L5-S1 level,there is disc dessication(means loss of water from inter vertebral disc).

2.At L4-5 level,there is diffuse posterior disc bulge with posterocentral annular tear and it is associated with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy which is causing narrowing of central canal.Disc bulge is also causing moderate narrowing of bilateral lateral neural foramen and compression of cauda equina and bilateral traversing exiting nerve roots.

3.At L5-S1 level,there is diffuse posterior annular bulge and tear with central right paracentral disc herniation which is causing narrowing of central canal and bilateral lateral neural foramen and it is compressing bilateral exiting nerve roots.

So,main findings are at L4-5 and L5-S1 level.

Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy.So,physiotherpay should be tried first.It causes strengthening of para spinal muscles and it prevents further changes.
Surgery should be the last option.
There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief.

You should try to modify your posture.Avoid lifting heavy objects and don't lean abruptly forward.
Avoid standing for prolong periods.While standing,try to keep body weight over one leg and keep one leg in slightly folded position.It can be changed alternately.

Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurosurgeon.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (57 minutes later)

thank u doctor.
what are the success chances of operation ? and is it safe?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Disectomy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Now a days, disectomy is very safe and very effective. It is done on day care basis and patient is discharged on same day.
Disectomy is done by endoscopic method and herniated disc is taken out through small puncture.

Other methods are ozone ablation, radiofrequency ablation etc.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

thanks.
Is there any restrictions of food or eating habits during this disease. specially rice or some foods which create gastric problems.??

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no restriction in food.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

There is no restriction in food.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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