I had an accident in October of 2007 in November 2007 I had an MRI of my Lumbar. The MRI states that I have L4-5- There is a 2-mm central disc bulge/protrusion with a small associated annular tear.

L5-S1- There is a 1 to 2-mm disc bulge with a far right posterolateral annular tear. There is disc desiccation and endplate degenerative change.

So, I had a transformial disectomy on March 2008 to fix the tears.

Since the surgery I have had another MRI done to see what the change is if there is any at all.

The MRI I had June 2008 states,

L4-5 There is a 2 to 3 mm far posterolateral disc bulge/protrusion bilaterally.

L5-S1 There is a 3-mm left posterolateral (foraminal) disc protrusion best seen on sagittal images, producing mild left neural poraminal stenosis. There is endplate degenerative change at this level as well.

If anyone knows what the difference is between these MRI's please let me know because I still have a lot of pain and I have two knots on my left side of back around the surgery area. I would like to know if I am going to have life problems in the future. The doctor originally wanted to do a fusion but I wanted to try the Transformial Disectomy first. Any response from a professional would help me to understand my condition better. The MRI's seem like the disc bulges got bigger and I am not sure about the tears, if they are better or worse. I would appreciate a professional response.

Thank you,
Paula

Hello Paula and welcome to NeuroTalk.

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I'm afraid I'm not able to interpret your MRI for you; I leave mine up to my Neuro as that's what I pay him for. We do have at least one member with Radiology experience who may be able to help if he sees your post though. Let's hope he does.

Here's the link to our Spinal Disorder's Forum and hopefully there you'll meet others who will understand what you're going through. http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hi Paula and welcome to NeuroTalk!

Hi, Paulahankins! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Hello Paula and Welcome to NeuroTalk. Please take a look around and make yourself at home. Glad you found us. Now, don't be shy.

Hello - this is not a professional response. I had L5-S1 surgery and just want to encourage you not to become discouraged. It may be helpful to try different doctors.