HI everyone
I am new here and am hoping someone can read my MRI before I go to the ortho again. I have had two surgeries one on my L4 L5 and also on C4c5c6c7
I now have a herniated s1 that is not too bad ( but it sure does hurt) but they are most worried about my neck. I am in pain 24 7 and was hoping to get insight into the terms on my MRI ... there were two done thanks in advance for any help from any one at all
EXAM: Cervical spine CT without contrast.

CLINICAL HISTORY: Back pain.

COMPARISON: None.

TECHNIQUE: Contiguous axial images were obtained with subsequent generation of
two-dimensional coronally and sagittally reformatted images.

FINDINGS:

Evidence for prior anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from C4 through C7
with presumed bone graft material projecting from C4 through C6, as well as an
additional area of presumed bone graft in the region of the superior endplate
of C7. Lateral masses of C1 are symmetric. Anterior atlantodental interval
appears preserved. Minimal grade 1 anterolisthesis at C2-3. No evidence of
hardware fracture or hardware loosening. Vertebral body heights appear
maintained. Straightening of normal lordosis. No acute fracture identified.

C2-3: Facet and uncovertebral arthropathy causes at least moderate right
neural foraminal stenosis.

C3-4: Facet and uncovertebral arthropathy causes severe left and mild right
neural foraminal stenosis.

C4-5 through C7-T1: No significant osseous neural foraminal narrowing.

Central spinal canal is better demonstrated on dedicated MRI done the same
date.

IMPRESSION:

1. Osseous neural foraminal narrowing at C2-3 and C3-4, described above.

2. Postoperative changes from C4 through C7.

3. Please refer to cervical spine MRI report from the same date four
additional findings and better assessment of the central spinal canal.


and the second one :
XAM: MRI of the cervical spine without contrast.

CLINICAL HISTORY: Back pain.

COMPARISON: CT on the same date.

TECHNIQUE: Sagittal/axial T2 weighted, sagittal T1-weighted, sagittal STIR,
and axial gradient echo T2* sequences.

FINDINGS:

Vertebral body heights and alignment appear maintained. No intrinsic spinal
cord lesions identified.

C2-C3: Posterior disc osteophyte complex with facet and uncovertebral
arthropathy causing severe right neural foraminal stenosis.

C3-C4: Posterior disc osteophyte complex with facet and uncovertebral
arthropathy causing severe bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and mild
central canal stenosis.

C4-C5: No significant stenosis.

C5-C6: Asymmetric left uncovertebral arthropathy causing mild left neural
foraminal narrowing.

C6-C7: Posterior osteophytes, eccentric to the right, causing ventral thecal
sac effacement.

C7-T1: Asymmetric left facet and uncovertebral arthropathy causing mild left
neural foraminal stenosis.

IMPRESSION:

1. Postoperative and degenerative changes, described above. Assessment for
infection is limited without IV contrast. Please refer to cervical spine CT
report from the same date.

Oh how I wish I could interpret these things. It is like trying to read another language upside down and inside out, isn't it.
I doubt there are many here who are qualified to master this task, but hopefully a few will give you some good input and suggestions.
I'm sorry you are going through all of this. I can certainly empathize with you b/c of the problems I'm having with my Lumber DDD, herniated L-5/S-1 and horrid muscle spasms....but mine doesn't even come close to what you've been through.

I hope your upcoming visit with ortho will be beneficial to you and that you are able to gain better pain relief.
Hopefully others will be along to give you more helpful input.

Caring,
Rae

Thank you Rae , It is just frustrating to me and quite honestly those around me ... It shouldnt be that way but I know the honest truth is that those who love me are prob as tired of my "bad back/neck " as I am. I try so hard every day to function and do the fun things my family wants me to do but it is so hard and hard not to give in.. obviously I am feeling sorry for myself a bit today. . anyway I appreciate your support and wish you the best with your back problems and hope you feel better soon

trueblue,

I just wanted to mention that there is a good thread that could be helpful to you in the Sticky posts at the top of the forum called
Medical Dictionary & MRI/CT Terminology

I have my share of spinal problems too but wouldn't like to attempt reading your MRI.

take care and I hope you are feeling a lot brighter soon.