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What Does " Minor Anterolisthesis Of L5 Over S" Mean?
Question: Mri results show minor anterolisthesis of L5 over S1. there is also bilateral pars defect at L5. moderately large central and right paracentral protrusion of the L5/S1 disc causing compression of the spinal sac and compression of the proximal portion of the traversing right S1 nerve root. what does this mean
Brief Answer:
Herniated disc causing nerve root compression
Detailed Answer:
I read that report carefully and I understand that it might seem a little confusing with all those letters and numbers.
L5 is the last lumbar region vertebrae standing over the S1 first segment of sacral bone. Between the two of them, as between all vertebrae, there are discs which serve to dampen the trauma to the bony structures. There are also nerves leaving the spine at each level between the vertebrae.
In your case the disc has migrated from its intended position centrally and to the right and it is compressing the right nerve root, the S1, at this level which could cause pain and numbness in the territory covered by that nerve. A predisposing reason for that might be the defect in the joints with anterior displacement of the L5 vertebrae.
Of course this must be correlated with your symptoms. There could be other symptoms like urinary voiding issues related to the central part protrusion with compression on other spinal sac nerves as well.
Anyway first conservative treatment is tried which you seem to have taken. But if the symptoms persist despite having tried physiotherapy, pain medications and cortisone injections, I'm afraid surgery might be needed to excise the protruded disc fragment and alleviate the pressure on the nerve root.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Herniated disc causing nerve root compression
Detailed Answer:
I read that report carefully and I understand that it might seem a little confusing with all those letters and numbers.
L5 is the last lumbar region vertebrae standing over the S1 first segment of sacral bone. Between the two of them, as between all vertebrae, there are discs which serve to dampen the trauma to the bony structures. There are also nerves leaving the spine at each level between the vertebrae.
In your case the disc has migrated from its intended position centrally and to the right and it is compressing the right nerve root, the S1, at this level which could cause pain and numbness in the territory covered by that nerve. A predisposing reason for that might be the defect in the joints with anterior displacement of the L5 vertebrae.
Of course this must be correlated with your symptoms. There could be other symptoms like urinary voiding issues related to the central part protrusion with compression on other spinal sac nerves as well.
Anyway first conservative treatment is tried which you seem to have taken. But if the symptoms persist despite having tried physiotherapy, pain medications and cortisone injections, I'm afraid surgery might be needed to excise the protruded disc fragment and alleviate the pressure on the nerve root.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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