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I have had an MRI after surgery (Laminectomy L4-L5)and ...

Sent to Health Experts January 10 2007 at 7:51 AM
   

I have had an MRI after surgery (Laminectomy L4-L5)and partial Fascetectomy. The findings showBroad Based Bulging which results in Central Stenosis And Right Sided SubArticular Stenosis As well as Right Foraminal L3-L4 Protrusion and ProminentAnnular TEAR directly Abutting the undersurface of the Exiting Right L3 Ganglion.I am in pain.Tell me what is going on.I The report also showsat L4-L5 residual/recurrent left posterial 4mm to 5mm disk herniation which is causing moderate left sided subarticular recess stenosis effacing thethecal sac at the axilla of the left L5 nerve root. I had the operation due to severe stenosis on2 levels but the surgeon stated that my pain was due to stenosis on one level . Consequently I had an operation in September 2006 and since he couldn't reach the right portion of the vertebra with his tool I had another in October. The Mri was done in December as the pain and limitation of motion is severe. I am on Oxycordone every 4 hours. I can't decipher the MRI findings . My Dr. stated everything was normal after examining the Xray I don't believe he saw the MRI Final Report as the Xray just showed some narrowing at L4-5. When I picked up the report I was astonished and can't understand the meaning of it. Please decipher this for me.

 

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Male , Age: 72

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
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January 10 2007 at 8:22 AM (31 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Unless we postulate GROSS malpractice your surgeon has either seen this MRI report or read the film himself. People go to school for years to learn how to read and write these reports. And I could write a book to you explaining it all! The question is where your symptoms are. The main thing that concerns me (if your symptoms are in your left leg) is the L4/L5 residual/recurrent herniation. That could be a problem in terms of causing pain.
Please click ACCEPT. Feel free to ask a specific follow-up question if desired.
MasterDoc -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1084 Health Accepts
Emergency Physician for 20 years
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January 10 2007 at 8:29 AM (6 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
Reply to MasterDoc's Post: hi! No the pain and limitation of motion is on my right side. Right lower back just above the waist,right thigh and right shin.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 10 2007 at 8:33 AM (4 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Anything on the right side could produce symptoms but without examining you in detail I don't have much else specific to say. All I could suggest is that you bring the report with you and ask your MD to explain what each thing means and why it is not responsible for your persistant symptoms.
Please click ACCEPT.
MasterDoc -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1084 Health Accepts
Emergency Physician for 20 years
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