Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Does The Following CT Scan Report Incident?
Three days ago my friend fell off a motorbike. He is perfectly alright except for a slight pain at the back. He is able walk and even bend with a little discomfort. Just for assurance he took an x-ray and it showed that he has a crack in his spine. The CT scan of the dorsal spine showed the following report: 1. Acuite compression fracture of T12 vertebra with fracture line traversing body and pedicle with reduction in vertebral height of more than 50%, retropulsion, narrowing the spinal canal and slightly indenting the thecal sac. 2. Mild compression of superior endplate of T10 and T11 vertebra 3. bulging disc seen at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels narrowing the spinal canal and slightly indenting the thecal sac. The doctor advised surgery but my friend is perfectly alright except for a slight pain. he is able to continue his daily activities normally. Is surgery the only way to treat this issue? The consulting doctor was astonished by his appearance. Why is he not able to feel any pain if his condition is serious? Please enlighten us.
Thu, 31 Jan 2019
Hi,
First of all it's sad to know what your friend had gone through lately.
Based on the history you have shared, it's good that he is asymptomatic but he should do rest for a week or two as such deformities can lead to a severe neurological deficit.
A scan may be repeated after two weeks to see any improvement at its own.
But some spinal cord compressing vertebral lesions may be needed to be surgically corrected as in future signs of spinal cord compression may arise which can be very irritating and can also lead to severe complications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
First of all it's sad to know what your friend had gone through lately.
Based on the history you have shared, it's good that he is asymptomatic but he should do rest for a week or two as such deformities can lead to a severe neurological deficit.
A scan may be repeated after two weeks to see any improvement at its own.
But some spinal cord compressing vertebral lesions may be needed to be surgically corrected as in future signs of spinal cord compression may arise which can be very irritating and can also lead to severe complications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....