MRI 02-09-04

Here's my latest L5 axial view, this time from a close tube. It still depicts a broad based herniation 3mm - 4mm contained disc herniation that is paracentrally located. There is also moderate to severe disc desiccation.

I was hoping for something bigger! It just doesn't look surgical sized to me. (You were right! 8-21-04)

Here's the T1 lateral view. There is quite a bit of disc height loss but no obvious disc herniation sticking out the back. Maybe the lipping and spurring are hiding some of the protrusion? The herniation at L4 looks worse than L5 from this view. Again, it just doesn't seem like a surgical case.

IMPRESSION:

1) There has been no significant interval change since a previous MRI study of the lumbar spine dated June 22, 2003 . As noted previously, there is a small contained left paracentral herniation at the L5-S1 level that abuts without appearing to deviate or significantly compress the central left s1 root sleeve and without significant lateral recess or foraminal encroachment. As noted previously there is a small central disc protrusion superimposed upon minimal diffuse spurring and disc bulging at the L4-5 level compatible with a broad-based anular tear. No definite evidence for herniation is identified at the L4-5 level on the current examination and there is no significant lateral recess or foraminal encroachment.

Murray A. Solomon MD

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