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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Lumbar MRI Done. What Does The Findings Mean?

i just got my lumbar mri report back today and it states mild facet arthropathy at L5 S1 .Mild endplate irregularity at the opposing aspects of L5 S1, with focal edematous endplate change along the anteroinferior aspect of the L5 vertebral body, along with mild marginal osteophyte formation at L5 S1. What does this mean? I have severe low back pain in lumbar region along with the nerve pain down left leg especially when weather changes etc.
Mon, 15 Jul 2013
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

There are 5 bones in the lumbar spine placed one on top of the other to complete the lower spine further continuing as sacral spine. They are numbered L1 through L5 from above downwards. Below L5 there is the sacral spine S1. In your report, it is mentioned that the opposing surfaces of L5 and S1 show age related degenerative changes. At the same time, there are joints on each side between these two bones, known as facet joints, these joints are also showing age related changes in you.

There is a possibility of a nerve root (that is emerging between two bones) getting pinched at its exit and therefore you are experiencing the pain.

Hope this helps.
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Lumbar MRI Done. What Does The Findings Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. There are 5 bones in the lumbar spine placed one on top of the other to complete the lower spine further continuing as sacral spine. They are numbered L1 through L5 from above downwards. Below L5 there is the sacral spine S1. In your report, it is mentioned that the opposing surfaces of L5 and S1 show age related degenerative changes. At the same time, there are joints on each side between these two bones, known as facet joints, these joints are also showing age related changes in you. There is a possibility of a nerve root (that is emerging between two bones) getting pinched at its exit and therefore you are experiencing the pain. Hope this helps.