Can anyone help? MRI LUMBAR SPINE?

Question

MRI LUMBAR SPINE

HISTORY: Back pain with left lower extremity radicular symptoms

COMPARISON STUDIES: None available

TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar sequences with T1, intermediate, T2, and/or T2*-weighted image contrast.

FINDINGS:
Generall: Lumbar alignment is normal. No evidence for fracture or neoplasm. Transitional lumbosacral anatomy with a rudimentary disc at the S1-2 level.

L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5: No significant abnormality.

L5-S1: Disc degeneration with loss of disc height and T2 signal intensity. A small right paracentral disc protrusion abuts the right S1 nerve root. A small hyperintense zone lies with in the posterior annulus fibrosis. Mild bilateral facet arthrosis without canal or foraminal stenosis.

Conus and intraspinal: The conus is normal in position and appearance. No intraspinal lesions.

IMPRESSION:
1. Small right paracentral disc protrusion at L5-S1 with small associated radial tear of the posterior annulus fibrosis. This abuts and slightly displaces the right S1 nerve root.
2. Transistional anatomy with a rudimentary disc at the S1-S2 level.

REASON FOR STUDY: ^Eval. for HNP. on 11/14/06 pt. injured his low back @wk. lifting heavy boxes, pain in low back radiating down lt. leg w/numbness in feet N/A

Would someone please explain the upbove information to me? At least make it easier to understand and as far as the pain & numbness goes would it radiate down the left leg or the right leg since it 'displaces the right S1 nerve root'?
Patient states that he informed the doctor it was his right leg but doctor noted left leg on MRI report. Would this change the whole outcome of the Findings/Impression?

Answer 1

There seems to be several disc traumas over the length of the spine. The leg pain would seem to indicate the lumbar area, or lower spine. Looks like your friend may have taken an impact on the tale bone. (L-1) The problem at T-2 (thoracic level 2) May be a problem. If it is impacted again, there could be paralysis, but the symptmology in the lumbar is usually numbness in the hands or arms. The lumbar will not cause paralysis, but the pain may continue on and on. Try ibuprofen for the pain, 3 or 4, NOT MORE THAN 4!! If the problems continue, there may need to be surgery, but get more than one opinion!

Answer 2

Your physician may have incorrectly labeled the wrong leg, but the radiologist identified a Rt S1 nerve root problem. The findings or impression will not have changed due to a mislabeled appendage. The radiologist has keen eyes and evaluates all that is visual on your films.
Get better soon, keep moving and protect your spine with proper body mechanics. Classes are always avail and are so informative. Your difficulty is most likely sciatic nerve pain and will subside with meds and stretching..Ask your primary physician first and he or she will guide you through this diff time.