MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATION FOR STUDY:           Prior examination from XXXXXXXX.

FINDINGS:               Sagittal T1 and T2 and axial T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained on the Open MRI at Fort Pierce.  The patient had previous x-ray evaluation from XXXXXXXX.  There is slight desiccation at L4-L5 and L5-S1 of the disc.  There is slight degenerative disc disease also at L1-L2.  The L3-L4 disc is well hydrated and the L2-L3 disc is moderately hydrated.  The conus and nerve roots within the thecal sac show no gross abnormality.

At the level of L1-L2, there is slight indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.

At the level of L2-L3, this also appears similar, as does L3-L4.  There is somewhat of congenitally small canal throughout the lumbar region.

At the level of L4-L5, there is mild diffuse disc herniation along with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and degenerative changes, which overall are causing mild-to-slightly-moderate central canal stenosis.  There is no significant neuroforaminal narrowing.  This appears similar to what was seen previously.

At the L5-S1 level, there is mild diffuse disc herniation with indentation on the anterior thecal sac.  There is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, greater on the right than the left.  These changes overall are causing indentation on the thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis.  There are degenerative changes and disc disease causing indentation on the exiting nerve roots, but no significant neuroforaminal narrowing or impingement.  This also overall appears similar to what was seen previously.  Would recommend clinical correlation or further evaluation as needed.

Thank you for the referral.

XXXXXXXX