MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATION FOR STUDY:         724.4.

FINDINGS:               Sagittal T1 and T2 and axial T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained on the Open MRI at XXXXXXXX.  The vertebral bodies appear in relatively good alignment.  There is desiccation of the disc in the lower lumbar spine especially.  The conus and nerve roots within the thecal sac show no gross abnormality.

At the levels of L1-L2, L2-L3, and L3-L4, there is slight indentation on the thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.  There are slight degenerative changes of the facet joints especially at L3-L4.

At the level of L4-L5, there is a diffuse disc herniation, degenerative changes, and slight ligament flavum hypertrophy.  These changes overall are causing indentation on the thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis.  There is slight indentation on the exiting nerve roots, but no significant impingement.

At the level of L5-S1, there are similar changes as seen on L4-L5, but once again no significant central canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.  There are slightly more prominent degenerative changes and disc disease noted in the anterior aspect of the disc space at this level also.  The nerve roots within the thecal sac show slight indentation on them, but no significant impingement.

IMPRESSION:         Degenerative changes with indentation on the thecal sac and neuroforaminal regions slightly, but no significant impingement or central canal stenosis as discussed above.  Would recommend further evaluation as clinically necessary.

Thank you for the referral.

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