MRI Results

[Bummer Knees]

I got my MRI results a day early, here they are:

MRI Findings:
The L5 S1 disk shows mild loss of signal. There is no evidence of herniation or stenosis.

The L4-5 shows milt to moderate loss of signal. There is no evidence of herniation or stenosis.

The L3-4 and L2-3 disk are intact.

The L2-3 disk shows mild loss of signal. There is moderate anterior spurring.

The T12-L1 disk is intact.

There is a mildly mottled marrow signal in the vertebrea body.
The T12 vertebral body appears stable and does not appear to be an active lesion.

IMPRESSIONS:
There are mild degenerative changes with loss of signal of the L4-5 and L5-S1 disk.

There is mild bilateral facet arthropathy at the L5-S1 and L4-L5 levels and this is more notable on the left side.

There is a stable signal abnormality involving the T12 vertebral body.
This does not appear to represent an active lesion.
..............................................................................................

My symptoms are low back pain & pain & weakness down the back of my right leg to my foot.

Sometimes the weakness gets severe enough that I can not bend my right knee and have to swing my right foot to walk.

I welcome any feed back to assist me with understanding the MRI and suggestions as to where to go with this.

Thank you,
Bummer Knees

[red1030]

Hi Bummer, I am not sure what it means by mild loss of signal. My best estimate is that they are talking about your ability of your nerves to pass information along the track to the pheripheral paths. Usually I would think that they would refer to this as an impingement of a nerve at the site of discussion. It also says that their is no herination or stenosis...so what is causeing the disruption of information flow? Is it a bulging disc or bone spurs or what? This seems strange to me.

But it looks like you have nerve flow disruption for various reasons from your T12 through your S1 which encompasses your entire lumbar region. The reasons listed differ.

Also it appears you have joint disease. Arthropathy means joint disease. This is not wide spread however, as it is only listed in the L4 through S1 region which is your lower back.

I have attached some web sites that shows you how this all works. I received these from Bad Boy a long time ago.. maybe they will help you visualize some of your report better also.


http://www.echiropractic.net/nervechart.htm

http://www.innerbody.com/image/nervov.html

I found these sites very easy to read and I think you will also. They are also very informative. Red

[Wink]

Bummer~
You might also post your MRI results and questions on the Ask The Expert forum and see what banati has to say.

Also, if I were you, I'd push to have a Discogram and a subsequent CT scan with contrast to pinpoint the origin of your pain and reveal a better picture of your discs. The MRI (in my case) was just not enough to show the reality of what was causing my own problems. Without the Discogram and the CT scan I would not have received much better treatment. Those procedures were also part of the catalyst to winning my case before the Commissioner.

[Still in Limbo]

Loss of Signal Means, if I remember correctly that the Pulpus, or Soft center of the Disc is Hardening, and that's common with Age. My L,2, L3, and L4, are completely dried and Bulged, but they are not pressing on my Spine or any Nerve Sets, so I have no Pain There. Bummer, My Opinion only, check with your Dr. and let us know what they say, but it seems to me that by altering your Gait due to your Knee issues you have either Bulged or Slightly Herniated one or more of your lower discs, and they are pressing on nerve sets right now, thus causing your Pain. Now remember I'm Post-Op and with Failed Back Surgery so I'm talking from the experiences I've had only, it may be different for you. I Believe from what you've Posted with Rest, Pt, a Medication to Help relieve the Pain and also to help stop the inflamation, and with possible PT to improve your Gait, you may be able to avoid any type of Surgery and get this under control. Now that's provided they get you started soon, and get that inflamation under Control. I sure Hope this Helped Bummer, and Please let me know what the Dr, says. Best of Luck!!

[Bummer Knees]

Still In Limbo, Red & Wink
Thank you,

I just spoke to my attorney and he wants to go ahead with court in the morning. He dosen't feel we have enough documentation to support wc paying for a total knee replacement.

The purpose of the hearing is to seek treatment for my right knee.

His plan is to send me to the Spine Institute where I am already going and get my doctor's opinion on how my knee has impacted my back.
I'm not for sure what is the reason behind this.

[red1030]

Bummer I have given up a long time ago in trying to figure out the reasoning behind anything that has any thing to do with W/C. None of it makes any sense from the medical to the legal to me. I want to wish you good luck tomorrow however and let you know that we know you are in a lot of pain and my prayers are with you .....loads of hugs and love coming your way.... Red

[Spring]

Bummer....Just wanted to send some GOOD LUCK WISHES for your court today. Sorry I didn't see the post sooner...I will be thinking about you. Give us an update if you get to really find anything out.....OH I hope things go the way you need then to.....I know you need the medical treatment.....Hope to hear from you soon.

[red1030]

good morning Bummer...I am hoping that things go your way also...good luck in court today and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.. Red

[Still in Limbo]

Good Luck Bummer!! I Hope All goes Well!!!

[Lilly]

Hey Bummer....Good Luck in court!
Keep us posted...as always , you're in my prayers, but especially today- court day.
Lilly