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I am 40 yrs old and have had 2 cervical fusions at C5-6, C6-7 and C7-T1 and a double lumar fushion at L4-5 and L5-S1. My last neck surgery was in 2007 and I thought that I was in the clear with my neck and had to start dealing with my back. The double lumbar fusion was in Aug 2010. Recently my neck has started hurting, pain shooting in between my shoulder blades and down my right arm. I had an MRI done and my surgeon has rescheduled my appt 4 times so far but I am concerned by a couple of things on the MRI report.

It says I have straightening of the cervical lordosis, mild disc space narrowing at C4-C5 and a broad based central disc protrusion which partially effaces the ventral aspect of the thecal sac and mild bilateral facet arthropathy thats all for C4-C5.

ON C6-C7 a broad based disc protrusion slightly asymmetric to the right, there is resulting effacement of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac with resulting moderate central canal stenosis. Residual AP thecal sac dimension measures 7.5mm, there is a mild facet arthropathy with bilateral uncovertebral spurs, there is mild right foraminal encroachment.

If someone could help me with this I would greatly appreciate it.

Ok ~ The lordosis is a curvature so your neck has straightened. At C4-5 you have a protruding disc that covers up the thecal sac (thats a membrane of dura matter that surrounds the spinal canal & cauda equina. The sac is filled with cerebra spinal fluid). You have bilateral facet arthropathy - the facets are those "wing-like" bony structures on each side of your spine - you can see them when you hunch your back. The arthropathy means you have diseased facet joints.

C6-7 you have a disc protrusion that's effacing the thecal sac resulting in moderate central canal stenosis (narrowing of canal) and again - facet arthropathy. There are also bone spurs and foraminal encroachment. The foramin is the hole where the nerves pass thru going to the spinal cord.

I hope this makes some sense to you. I tried to say it in as much laymen's language as I could. Take care. Hugs, Lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by alinta1970 (Post 749806)

Hi,

Much of what is written are referring to multiple degenerative issues which may or may not be generating pain. Interscapular and radiating arm/hand symptoms could be indicative of a neck issue among many things, and there are questionable findings from what you have written that may correlate. Thecal effacement can also be a pain generator. Of some concern is the 7.5 mm sagittal diameter about the central canal although it is unclear whether or not, by the way it is written, that true central stenosis is an issue. A sagittal dimension of the central canal (but your report references the thecal sac) of 8 mm is considered absolute stenosis and is worrisome. And as the facet joints are buried beneath multiple layers of muscle, fascia and skin, it is not possible to see them under any circumstances other than gross dissection.

In any event, any stand alone MRI findings are speculative at best, many times a red herring, and must be correlated to your clinical examination and history which you doctor performed to make sense. You really need to discuss these findings with your doctor! Best of luck to you!