MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATION FOR STUDY:         X-ray evaluation from XXXXXXX showing degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease at multiple levels.  Low back pain.

FINDINGS:               Sagittal T1 and T2 and axial T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained on the Open MRI at XXXXXXX.  There are degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease especially at the levels of L1-L2, L2-L3, and L3-L4.  There is slight rotary scoliosis.  The conus and nerve roots within the thecal sac show no gross abnormality.  There is also slight disc space loss at L5-S1.  There is desiccation of disc throughout.  There are modic type changes at multiple levels.

At the level of L1-L2, there is no significant disc herniation, central canal stenosis, or neuroforaminal narrowing.  This is also true at the T12-L1 level.  There are slight degenerative changes of the facet joints.

At the level of L2-L3, there is degenerative disc disease, modic type changes, mild disc bulge, and degenerative changes of the facet joints.  These changes overall are causing mild central canal stenosis.  There is also slight indentation on the exiting nerve roots, but no significant impingement, especially on the right.

At the level of L3-L4, there is degenerative disc disease.  There is diffuse disc herniation, degenerative changes, and slight ligament flavum hypertrophy.  These changes are causing mild central canal stenosis.  There are degenerative changes and disc disease causing neuroforaminal narrowing on the right slightly and also indentation on the exiting left neuroforaminal region.

At the level of L4-L5, there is indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis.  There are slight degenerative changes and disc disease causing slight impingement on the exiting right neuroforamina.  There is indentation on the left, but no significant impingement.

At the level of L5-S1, there is slight degenerative disc disease, but no significant central canal stenosis.  There is slight indentation on the anterior thecal sac.

There are degenerative changes of the facet joints.  There is no significant neuroforaminal narrowing.  If there is any further concern, would recommend further evaluation as clinically necessary.

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