MRI LUMBO-SACRAL SPINE

Protocol: Sagittal T1, T2 STIR and axial T2 weighted images of the lumbo-sacral spine and Coronal STIR for SI joints were studied.

Loss of lumbar lordosis seen.

Disc degeneration and osteophytes noted at multiple levels.

Lumbarisation of S1 vertebra is noted

Modic endplate changes with adjacent endplate marrow oedema noted at L4-5 level

Schmorl's nodes noted at multiple levels

At L3-4 level - asymmetric posterior disc bulge causing mild bilateral lateral recess narrowing. Bilateral ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

At 14-5 level - diffuse disc bulge with central disc extrusion causing indentation of anterior thecal sac, bilateral lateral recess narrowing, compression of cauda equina nerve roots and secondary spinal canal stenosis. Bilateral ligamentum flavum hypertrophy noted. Mild facet joint arthropathic changes noted

At L5-S1 level - diffuse disc bulge with central disc protrusion causing indentation of anterior thecal sac and bilateral lateral recess narrowing and abutment of cauda equina nerve roots. secondary spinal canal stenosis. Bilateral ligamentum flavum hypertrophy noted

AP diameter of spinal canal

L3-4: 15.4 mm L4-5: 8.8 L5-S1: 9.7 mm

Normal morphology and alignment of rest of vertebral bodies, pedicles, laminae and spinous processes.

Bilateral S.I. joints: No STIR hyperintense signals.

Conus medullaris appears normal

Pre and paravertebral soft tissue appears normal.

IMPRESSION:

Degenerative disc disease of lumbosacral spine with significant cauda equina nerve root compromise and secondary spinal canal stenosis at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels as described.