What Does This X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017

Question: Can I get an impression of the attached x-ray?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shashidhar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestive of ossification

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, Welcome to HealthcareMagic. Thanks for your question.

I've reviewed the X-ray, it is lateral view (view as seen from the side) of your dorsal spine (which is part of your spine related to chest/trunk area). Outer spine is made of bones stacked on top of each other with cushions in between . These cushions are known as discs. Discs are soft structures and do not have calcium or bony deposit's usually.

In some people with age the ligament's in relation to the disc can be calcified. These ligaments are in the front part of the spine . The marked areas seen in your X-ray are suggestive of ossification of ligaments and part of the discs.

To make any sense of this we need more details like whether you have any back pain or pain going to your legs . Any loss of sensation while passing stools or urine. In isolation these X-ray findings are not much of use. It is also to be noted that such changes can be seen in other parts of your spine also.

Hope this answers your question.

All the best.

With regards.
Dr.SBK

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shashidhar (1 hour later)

Thank you for your reply. In response to your question - yes, I do have back pain (particularly if I lay on my stomach with my head elevated. When rising, my lower back hurts and it takes a while to straighten out). I also have occasional pain radiating down the outside of my legs and down to my feet (more like a dull type pain). No issues passing stool or urine.

I've attached a more complete version of the lateral view x-ray.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shashidhar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch .age related change .MRI if pain more than 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi there..

Thanks for the complete version of your lateral x ray. This x ray is more clear than the previous one. It would be nice if you can also upload a front view if this x ray if done(AP or PA view). The x ray is suggestive of reduction of disc spaces suggestive of disc degeneration. Disc degeneration at your age of 43 is suggestive of genetic component more than age related. Your pain is moreally like to episodic with back ground pain. During episodes if more intense pain you will do well with core spinal exercises and physiotherapy(modality based like ultrasonic massage and microwave diathermy). If the back ground pain us present fir more than 3 months and affecting your life style, it will be worth whole to get an MRI, which will show the degenre toon features better than x ray and will be more informative.

Hope this answers your question

All the best
With regards.
Dr.SBK

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shashidhar (3 days later)

Thank you, I attached the front view of the x ray.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shashidhar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch .MRI if symptoms for more than 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi there..Thanks for posting the front view x ray.It shows similar changes as the lateral x ray .My advice in the previous message stays the same.

Hope this answers your question.

All the best

With regards.

Dr.SBK

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj