Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Opinion On My Mri (spondylolisthesis)
What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
Avatar
Q: Opinion On My Mri (spondylolisthesis)
asked by: Flying Poo on March 16th, 2006
New User
Hi all,

i'm doing as much research as is possible, but would greatly appreciate any feedback/opinions/suggestions etc.

A tiny bit of history. I'm 38. Always been very athletic. Done a good deal of weightlifting, and play competetive table tennis. Overall very good health. For years I have endured lower back pain, usually after standing for significant periods of time. It seemed to bother me during the morning hours, but once I had been up for a bit things would loosen up and I would be fine. 3 weeks back I woke one morning and found myself unable to be on my feet for more than about 5-8 minutes. The pain is sciatic in nature...Runs down the right buttock and leg.

I had an mri done and the results are below. I am seeing a specialist in about a week. I pretty much understand what this report is telling me, but I am curious as to whether or not this looks like inevitable surgery.

Does anyone ever 'come back' from the condition I am describing? I know that a spondylolisthesis won't reverse itself, but is the pain I am experiencing a case where something (the nerve) is simply swollen? Once the inflammation sunsides perhaps the impingement will let up? Or is this just a fool's wishful thinking?

From all of my reading is seems important to exhaust all the more conservative routes before marching into surgery. I have purchased an inversion table after finding a few studies that indicated it could be beneficial. Again, some people cry snake oil, but a few millimeters of seperation might be the difference between 'ouch' and 'ouch!!!!'.

Regardless, here are my mri results. Please tell me what you think. Destined for the kinfe? Thank you all,

robert

---------------------

mri spine lumbar 3/4/2006

findings: there is a grade ii anterior spondylolisthesis at l5/s1 measuring approx. 15 mm. There is no listhesis at the remaining levels. There is a straightening of the normal lordosis. There is no fracture. The conus medullaris is unremarkable terminating at the t12/l1 level. The t12/l1 through the l3/4 disc levels are unremarkable.

At l4/5 there is mild disc dehydration without disc space narrowing. There is a small annular tear with small central disc protrusion without spinal stenosis or nerve impingement.

At l5/s1, there is severe degenerative disc disease with severe disc space narrowing, disc dehydration, and probably vacuum disc change. There are discogenic degenerative marrow signal changes at the endplates. Grade ii anterior spondylolisthesis appears to be secondary to bilateral pars defects. This produces distortion of the neural foramina which have a more horizontal orientation and are severely narrowed in vertical height with significant compression on the exiting l5 nerve roots bilaterally. There are mild hypertrophic changes of the facet joints but without significant spinal canal stenosis.

Impression:

1. L5/s1 grade ii anterior spondylolisthesis secondary to bilateral pars defects with sever degenerative disc disease at this level. This combination causes severe foraminal narrowing bilaterally with impingement on the exiting l5 nerve roots.


2. L4/5 mild degenerative disc disease with small annular tear and central disc protrusion without nerve impingement.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(5)
Avatar
arunlnaik
replied on March 17th, 2006
New User
Here's the Solution
Hi

i read your report. It mentions of a pars defect at l5-s1 level. That means your spine at that level is 'fractured'. It is potentially unstable at times specially while playing sports, lifting weight etc. You sooner or later have to decide for surgery. It involves l5-s1 decompression and pedicle screw fixation using a reputed system like medtronic (titanium). You should get significant relief of your symptoms. But make sure you visit an experienced neurosurgeon for your procedure.

Bye and cheers

dr arun naik
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
Flying Poo
replied on March 17th, 2006
New User
Thanks for the reply. Is the procedure you are referring to "l5-s1 decompression and pedicle screw fixation" the same thing as a fusion?

Appreciate all responses.

Robert
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
sandyallen
replied on March 17th, 2006
Extremely eHealthy
Hi there! Sorry to hear of your negative situation! My l4 and l5 to s1 comes and goes, I understand your pain but I have other medical problems too. After my two neck fusions, I did not want any more and my dr sort of agreed with me as he said that a lot of times,especially in my situation that one surgery will lead to another and another , etc.(no thanks) and I will be honest with you I am a little bit afraid of them starting in with my back as the poster said prior that I too hope that you will get a good neuro and also think of getting other opinions as well, I am probably a lot older than you and have ddd and djd(arthritis) along with other things wrong.
I do wish you the best!
Let us know what you find out!
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
Tamadrummer
replied on March 17th, 2006
Active User, very eHealthy
The best site for research into your diagnosis is: Spineuniverse

if the link does not work, you will need to make sure that all of the letters in the hyperlink are lower case. This site capitalizes all letters after a period.


As far as making a full recovery without intervention of somekind, I would be hesitant to say yes. It is not impossible but is very unlikly that this will resolve on its own.

You need to be as well versed in the terms and lingo the doctors/surgeons will be telling you so that you can be an active participant in the treatment plan for you.


Most likly you will be asked to be subjeted to steroid injections and physical therapy. This will help the doctors determine the necessity for surgical intervention or not.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
disabledcoastie
replied on March 25th, 2006
Experienced User
Sorry to about your results robert. Unfortunately you are a canidate for surgery and sooner or later you will absolutely have to have the procedure done. I would reccommend sooner as now you have severe nerve root compression, if the area isn't decompressed and fused you could end up with nerve damage and when that happens their is no relief. You can come back after such a treatment and lead a very normal life, you won't be doing and world class dead lifts or anything but if you work at your rehab you will be very suprised at the results that can be obtained. I would also suggest that you not only have the pedicle procedure but also cages added anteriorly as well. The double fusion results in a stronger fusion. One bit of advice listen to the doctor's recommendation for lifestyle changes, the reason I yelled this is that most people (myself included) have to be injured twice before we listen, i've had two surgeries not doing so well now. Btw my first surgery was to stabilize my spondy, it was a huge success and if I would have listened then I would be in the shape I am now. Good luck
Did you find this post useful?
|
Quick Reply
Search