I had back surgery a few years back but am still having problems. I had a ct scan a week ago. Can someone help

Question

Can someone please help me understand the ct scan results?

Exam: CT lumbar spine without contrast with sagital and coronal reformate.

Findings: Transitional vertebral body referred to as S1 purposes of this dictation with rudimentary S1-S2 disc. Straightening of lumbar spine with slight retrolisthesis at L3-4. Aorta is of normal caliber.
Findings on level by level basis are as follows:
L1-L2 and L2-L3: no compromise of canal or foramina.
L3-L4: SLight disc bulfe indents anterior thecal sac.
L4-5: Dis bulge slightly asymmetric towar left.
L5-S1: Status post right laminotamy. Diffuse disc bulge.

Asymmetric toward right posterolaterally in conjunction with probable scar results in mild narrowing of right lateral recess. Moderate right and mild left neural foraminal narrowing. Mild reactive degenerative change adjacent endplates.
Code 4: Abnormality, attention needed.

Sorry it's so long. Just hoping someone knows what all of this means!
Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I'm surprised the doctor or radiologist didn't decipher this for you. I am not a medical professional, but from what I can tell, there are slight disc bulges in L3-L5. (Each vertebra is given a number according to its position in the spinal column. The disc bulges appear to be on the left side. There is some slight asymmetry, (meaning unevenness) on the right on both sides in the rear of the spine, with scar tissue that creates mild narrowing, and some degenerative changes to the end plates which are beside the discs. The recommendation is that it should be given attention. However, your doctor can give you a more complete description in layman's terms, so please don't hesitate to ask him or her. You have a right to know exactly what the diagnosis is. Good luck!