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What Does This MRI Report Of Spine Indicate?
Question: Is this a medical emergency. My back pain is increasing by 10 fold. Had a procedure done that tore my lumbar dura. I then had it repaired in which they had to perform a L5/S1 laminectomy. I could not urinate after operation ( I left the foley out after 24 hours and could not void for 2 days, finally went to hospital, now need to cath). The CSF repair was done on XXXXXXX 6, I had to go in and have it aspirated because of concern of abcess. A couple of weeks after that , XXXXXXX 26, I was then doing OK and started physical therapy, I am now on 20 MG Percocet because of the pain and numbness in my lower back, bad times. My latest (2/25/15) MRI stated: A prominent fluid collection in the posterior parapspinal tissues abutting the thecal sac at the laminectomy defects. This fluid collection measures 6.2 CM by 2.7 CM my 4.8 CM. No spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis is detected. I am wondering if the cyst is getting bigger and causing my problems.
Brief Answer:
Paraspinal collection may be causing problems.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query
I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I think your pain is increased due to fliud collection at paraspinal area at site of operation.It will be beneficial to you to consult the operative surgeon for further treatment as he knows your condition best. For pain relief you can take analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. If pain is not relieved by it then you can take strong analgesic such as tramadol after prescription from your doctor as it is a prescription medicine. You can discuss with your doctor about it.
Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Paraspinal collection may be causing problems.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query
I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I think your pain is increased due to fliud collection at paraspinal area at site of operation.It will be beneficial to you to consult the operative surgeon for further treatment as he knows your condition best. For pain relief you can take analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. If pain is not relieved by it then you can take strong analgesic such as tramadol after prescription from your doctor as it is a prescription medicine. You can discuss with your doctor about it.
Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
So it is not an emergency and I do not need it drained. Will the fluid dissipate on its own over the next few months. Did you see any type of cyst in the picture I sent that could get larger. I believe you are saying continue on the oxy and ms cotin. Does this make sense?
Brief Answer:
It is not a medical emergency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
It is not a medical emergency. You can continue with your analgesic. It is better to allow to dissipate it its own, if drain it or aspirate it, it is likely to fill again. Cyst is visible in picture but I think it is unlikely to increase more in size. If you have fever then it can be aspirated to exclude abscess.
You can discuss with your doctor about the requirement of the procedure.
Oxycodone is required only if the normal analgesics are not working. If they are not working then you can continue with them. Otherwise paracetamol and aspirin are better as they have lesser side effects.
Everything else is already discussed.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health
Take care
It is not a medical emergency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
It is not a medical emergency. You can continue with your analgesic. It is better to allow to dissipate it its own, if drain it or aspirate it, it is likely to fill again. Cyst is visible in picture but I think it is unlikely to increase more in size. If you have fever then it can be aspirated to exclude abscess.
You can discuss with your doctor about the requirement of the procedure.
Oxycodone is required only if the normal analgesics are not working. If they are not working then you can continue with them. Otherwise paracetamol and aspirin are better as they have lesser side effects.
Everything else is already discussed.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
One last question: How long does fluid like this usually last? I release it is different for everyone, but a range would suffice. Is there anything I can do to improve this period. Also, could this fluid cause SI and facet joint pain if it gets into the joints and would steroid injections help.
Brief Answer:
It is likely to take 6 months to one year
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
It generally takes 6months to one year to resolve. Antinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may help to resolve early to some extent. It is unlikely to cause SI joint pain and facet pain. Steroid injection may be of help in facet joint and SI joint pain and to some extend pain due to cyst.
You can discuss with your doctor about it.
Everything else already discussed.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health
Take care
It is likely to take 6 months to one year
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
It generally takes 6months to one year to resolve. Antinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may help to resolve early to some extent. It is unlikely to cause SI joint pain and facet pain. Steroid injection may be of help in facet joint and SI joint pain and to some extend pain due to cyst.
You can discuss with your doctor about it.
Everything else already discussed.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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