Originally Posted by cats

Exam: MRI Lumbar canal w/o contrast.

Findings:
Conus is identified at the T12 level.

Degenerative and desiccative changes are noted involving the L4-5 and L5-S1 disks.

No significant central canal or neural foraminal stenosis is seen at the L3-3 and L3-4 levels.

At the L4-5 level, small right paracentral disk protusion is seen with associated annular tear. This encroaches upon the adjacent L5 nerve root in the lateral recess. A combination of ligamentous hypertrophy, disk protrusion and mild osseous degenerative changes in combination with a somewhat congenitally small canal narrowly transverse diameter of the central canal at this level to 1.0 cm indicative of mild to mderate central canal stenosis. There is some mild narrowing of the right0sided L4-5 neural foramina inferiorly due to right paracentral disk protrusion. No appreciable narrowing is seen in the left L4-5 neural foramina.

At the L5-S1 level, some mild central disk bulging is seen. No appreciable central canal or neural foraminal stenosis is seen at this level. Normal marrow signal is seen throughout. Adjacent soft tissues are unremarkable in appearance.