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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does this MRI Scan Result Mean?

I just had an MRI for lumbar pain and part of the report says: The L4-L5 level has mild to moderate disk degeneration. There is moderate facet hypertrophy. A 2 mm disk protrusion is present. There is mild to moderate bilateral lateral recess and neuroforaminal narrowing. However, I had a fusion at L4/L5 in 1997. Then the report says The L5-S1 level has moderate to severe degenerative change with 7 mm of anterolisthesis. This level is postsurgical. There is mild to moderate bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing primarily from the anterolisthesis and the moderate to severe facet hypertrophy. This level is likely at least partially fused. Why should L5/S1 be post surgical. Why would L4/L5 show a disk degeneration when I had no disk left there when I had the fusion. Help! I m confused!
Tue, 14 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.
Thank you for contacting HCM.

The degenerative process is a diffuse process which usually involves L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels since maximum mobility of the spine is at these sites. The spinal fusion which was performed previously was most likely due to the maximum degenerative changes at that site, however, this does not mean that the degenerative process at L5-S1 level has stopped.
Generally judging from your report I feel that although degenerative changes are present but if you are not experiencing any signs of nerve compression (radiating pain, numbness, altered sensation in any limb) then there is no need to worry.
Also there are different types of spinal fusions....some consist of disc removal whereas in other procedures the fusion is performed without removing the disc.

I hope this answers your concern. Please feel free to contact HCM again if you have any concerns.
Wishing you good health.
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What Does this MRI Scan Result Mean?

Hello. Thank you for contacting HCM. The degenerative process is a diffuse process which usually involves L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels since maximum mobility of the spine is at these sites. The spinal fusion which was performed previously was most likely due to the maximum degenerative changes at that site, however, this does not mean that the degenerative process at L5-S1 level has stopped. Generally judging from your report I feel that although degenerative changes are present but if you are not experiencing any signs of nerve compression (radiating pain, numbness, altered sensation in any limb) then there is no need to worry. Also there are different types of spinal fusions....some consist of disc removal whereas in other procedures the fusion is performed without removing the disc. I hope this answers your concern. Please feel free to contact HCM again if you have any concerns. Wishing you good health.