Help with Interpretation of Lumbar CT Scan
Posted by
Gloria S.
I've had foot pain for nearly 2 years. It began as a sharp stabbing but has become a near constant ache over time. It began affecting my low back/hip and legs about 6 months ago. I get sharp pains and some numbness around the area of my outer glutes/hamstrings. Spams in calf. Lateral outside foot pain is sometimes stabbing sometimes aching. MRI for ankle was negative.
CT scan for low back S1-L2 indicated the following:
From the scoutogram, five mobile lumbar-type vertebrae are present, counting from the lowest T12 rib-containing vertebral body.
Apart from minimal straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis, the alignment is preserved and no fractures are demonstrated. The bony lumbar spinal canal is congenitally capacious. The patient was scanning from the level of L2 down to S1.
At L2-3 through L4-5, no significant abnormalities are detected.
At L5-S1 there is a small generalized disc bulge without significant neural element compromise.
No significant facet joint arthropathies are noted. The visuallized protions of the superior SI joints are unremarkable. THe paraspinal and prevertebral soft tissues are within normal limits."
Altho nothing "significant" was found, is a small bulge enuf to cause low-grade constant pain? Could the straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis be a sign of excessively tight back muscles?
Posted by Gloria S.
I've had foot pain for nearly 2 years. It began as a sharp stabbing but has become a near constant ache over time. It began affecting my low back/hip and legs about 6 months ago. I get sharp pains and some numbness around the area of my outer glutes/hamstrings. Spams in calf. Lateral outside foot pain is sometimes stabbing sometimes aching. MRI for ankle was negative.
CT scan for low back S1-L2 indicated the following:
From the scoutogram, five mobile lumbar-type vertebrae are present, counting from the lowest T12 rib-containing vertebral body.
Apart from minimal straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis, the alignment is preserved and no fractures are demonstrated. The bony lumbar spinal canal is congenitally capacious. The patient was scanning from the level of L2 down to S1.
At L2-3 through L4-5, no significant abnormalities are detected.
At L5-S1 there is a small generalized disc bulge without significant neural element compromise.
No significant facet joint arthropathies are noted. The visuallized protions of the superior SI joints are unremarkable. THe paraspinal and prevertebral soft tissues are within normal limits."
Altho nothing "significant" was found, is a small bulge enuf to cause low-grade constant pain? Could the straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis be a sign of excessively tight back muscles?