I am new to this forum. Hoping to get some insight into my situation. I am scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Neubuerger in Sacramento, Ca. Has anyone had surgery performed by him? Or do you have a recommendation of another Dr.?


On January 4th of this year I fell on an icy driveway and fractured my sacrum. Below is a timeline of events that had led to where I am today. I welcome any knowledge/insights from anyone who can better help me understand my diagnosis and possible treatment options. Please note that on Aug. 5th I changed my Primary Care Dr. As I read the second MRI report I was surprised to see the following “similar to previous study of 1-14-11.” The only information I was given from my 1st Dr. was that I “essentially fractured my sacrum”. He never at any time indicated to me that there were any other issues with my back. I asked him why he never told me about these other issues when I had contacted him over the the last six months, his response was “you didn’t have these symptons before now.” I changed Dr.’s immediately.
Jan. 11th 1st appointment to family Dr. for pain.
Jan. 14th MRI
Findings: There is T1 and T2 prolongation within the inferior sacrum at segments S3 and S4 with surrounding increased T2 signal in adjacent soft tissues. It is possible this represents a nondisplaced fracture. Slight ventral cortical defect is seen at the S3 level. Disc spaces are preserved in the lumbar spine. Conus terminates normally. No stenosis.

Impression: Possible nondisplaced fracture at S3 level with adjacent edema, but no definite bony displacement apart from the possible ventral cortical break.
My Dr.’s explanation to me was “essentially” you fractured your sacrum. It takes 6 – 12 weeks to heal. You can return to work after 4-6 weeks
Jan. 17th Called my Dr. to ask him what my limitations are. His response “if it hurts don’t do it.”

Feb. 22nd Contacted Dr. because the pain was still severe asking when it might begin to subside. He responded “it could take months.” Asked me how much pain medication I was taking and told me that I was under medicated for this type of injury. Advised continued rest and more pain medication. At this point I was taking Ibuprofin as needed.
Mar-24th Contacted Dr. again because the pain was still severe asking when it might begin to subside. Dr. gave me same advise on my visit Feb. 22nd.
April 29th Contacted Dr. again, eliminating from the bladder “felt” different. Slower stream, didn’t always feel as though I was able to eliminate fully. Dr. said let him know of any significant changes, wait and see.
June 15th I contacted the Dr. because I was still having pain and concerned about the change in regards to eliminating. I requested a referral for Physical Therapy.
July 29th On 4th physical therapy visit my PT had me lie flat on my back, knees bent, tilt pelvis toward floor, hold the tilt, slide right heel out and back in, left heel out and back in, release pelvic tilt. Rest repeat 10 times.
Monday Aug. 1st Numbness both legs from knee caps down, back pain, groin pain.
Friday Aug. 5th MRI
Findings: The distal conus terminates at the approximate TL2-4 level. Previous signal abnormality within the sacrum at the S3 Level has resolved since prior study of 1/14/11, consistent with interval healing of the sacral fracture. Decreased signal intensity is again noted at L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5

At L1-2, there is again no significant disc protrusion, canal stenosis, or foraminal stenosis.

At L2-3, there is generalized disc bulging and spondylosis, SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS STUDY OF
1/14/11. Central spinal canal is borderline in size at this level. There is mild narrowing of the inferior neural foramina. There is AGAIN bilateral facet arthropathy.

At L3-4 there is AGAIN generalized disc bulging and spondylosis. Central spinal canal is borderline in size. There is mild narrowing of the inferior neural foramina.

At. L5-5 there is AGAIN focal T2 hyperintensity at the posterior disc margin, compatible with annular tear. There is disc protrusion which is slightly eccentric toward the left, ESSENTIALLY SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS STUDY. No high grade canal stenosis is seen. No foraminal nerve root compression.

At L5-S1 no disc protrusion, canal stenosis, or foraminal stenosis is seen. There is partial sacralization of L5.

Here are my questions from the first MRI:
What is T1 and T2 prolongation? What is increased T2 signal in adjacent soft tissues? What is Slight ventral cortical defect is seen at the S3 level?
Second MRI – I would love for the whole report to be put in laymen terms. Easier for me to understand.
Anyone who has had similar issues I would love to hear about your prognosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Thank you,
Dismayed