
What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Question: I have an MRI that indicates a Interbody fusion change along with a stable grade 1 anterolisthesis measuring 3 mm at L4 L5 where I have a previous fusion. I have extreme pain right a waist/hip level on right side, have seen 3 drs and am getting conflicting information. Can you explain this
Brief Answer:
Please provide the MRI report.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Grade 1 spondylolysthesis usually doesn't cause severe symptoms.
Dynamic X-rays ( flexion, extension ) are necessary to evaluate if the lysthesis is stable or unstable.
Symptoms you describe seems to be more of Radicular ( pinched nerve ) nature.
It is necessary to provide the MRI report in order to understand better your condition and give you a correct answer. You can simply upload it at the reports section.
Awaiting for the MRI report....
Please provide the MRI report.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Grade 1 spondylolysthesis usually doesn't cause severe symptoms.
Dynamic X-rays ( flexion, extension ) are necessary to evaluate if the lysthesis is stable or unstable.
Symptoms you describe seems to be more of Radicular ( pinched nerve ) nature.
It is necessary to provide the MRI report in order to understand better your condition and give you a correct answer. You can simply upload it at the reports section.
Awaiting for the MRI report....
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee


I have no way to upload the MRI report. What else can I do to accomplish this
Have uploaded report. Hope you can read it.
Have uploaded report. Hope you can read it.
Brief Answer:
Spinal degerative changes.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I have read the MRI report you uploaded.
I don't see any significant spinal cord and nerve(s) compression that may justify severity of your symptoms.
There is some degree of compression of the right L3-L4 recess that may justify some pain, but not excruciating one.
Degenerative changes also are stable compared to previous examination.
In such case, in my opinion, an evaluation for possible problems ( arthritis for example ) of the coccofemoral (hip) articulation is necessary.
Please discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope I helped you. Feel free to discuss further.
Greetings.
Spinal degerative changes.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I have read the MRI report you uploaded.
I don't see any significant spinal cord and nerve(s) compression that may justify severity of your symptoms.
There is some degree of compression of the right L3-L4 recess that may justify some pain, but not excruciating one.
Degenerative changes also are stable compared to previous examination.
In such case, in my opinion, an evaluation for possible problems ( arthritis for example ) of the coccofemoral (hip) articulation is necessary.
Please discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope I helped you. Feel free to discuss further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee


Thanks, but now I don't know what to do. Have had hip MRI and have been told it is normal. Another dr has suggested another fusion at the L3 L4, but no one has fully explained the reason for the pain and it's not just a little pain. There are times when I can't walk because of it.
Thanks anyway.
Thanks anyway.
Brief Answer:
Further tests are necessary before treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Okay, in this case, nerve conduction study and EMG of your lower right extremity, in order to understand better your condition.
If nerve compression during its pathway will be excluded after these tests, (meralgia paresthetica for example), a minimally invasive decompression of the right L3-L4 recess, (flavectomy) should be considered.
I think another fusion is a little exaggerated.
Get an opinion by a spine specialist about these issues.
Take care.
Further tests are necessary before treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Okay, in this case, nerve conduction study and EMG of your lower right extremity, in order to understand better your condition.
If nerve compression during its pathway will be excluded after these tests, (meralgia paresthetica for example), a minimally invasive decompression of the right L3-L4 recess, (flavectomy) should be considered.
I think another fusion is a little exaggerated.
Get an opinion by a spine specialist about these issues.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

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