QuestionI had an MRI on 03/20/07 after experiences pain, numbness and weakness for several months. the finding of the MRI that have me concerned are "At C4-C5 there is a moderate size spur or disc osteophyte complex seen within the lest paracentral region. This is causing mass-effect and impingement on the left lateral recess. This is likely causing impingement of the left side of C5. It also causes minimal narrowing of the neural foramen. The right neural foramen appears patent. No spinal stenosis is seen. At C5-C6 there is disc osteophyte ridging seen within the left foraminal location. There is also mild facet hypertrophy. These are causing mild to moderate narrowing of the left neural foramen at this level. The right neural foramen has a normal patent appearance. Lateral recesses appear patent.
C6-C7 there is minimal posterior osteophyte ridging with mild disc bulge. There appears to be flattening and deformity of the cord on the axial images. secondary to the artifact from the metal hardware. Bilateral neural foramen appear patient. I had a anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in 2004. Final impression
1. postoperative changes at C4,C5 and C6 level are detailed above. 2. At least moderate stenosis of the left lateral recess at C4-C5 causing impingement on the left sided nerve root at this level as detailed.
Is surgery necessary my pain and weakness are progressing to the level of my inability to have any weight on my left leg. Please help.
thanks
Sandra
Answerobviously you have cervical disc disease continuing... but these findings should give you symptoms in your arms, not your legs, and with the leg symptoms, I would worry that you also have disc disease in the lumbar spine.... you need to get that looked at also,...
