Please help me understand my MRI results and the different conditions listed on the results.

[MatthewTasso]

Hello, I just have a few questioned about my MRI results. "At T11-T12 there is a mild loss of intervertebral disk height with mild broad based disk bulge causing significant mass effect on the ventral thecal sac with mild spinal canal stenosis without apparent mass effect on the conus medullaris. No abnormal cord signal at this level. The neuroforamina at this level are normally patent. Mild anterior wedge deformity involves T11 and to a lesser extent T12 without abnormal high T2 bone marrow signal. There is a very mild central disk protrusion at T4-T5 without central spinal canal stenosis or neural foraminal stenosis.

impression:
1. probable old remote vertical load injury with anterior wedge fracture deformity involving T11-T12 (worse at T11) with T11-T12 intervertebral disk disease causing significant mass effect on the ventral thecal sac and mild central spinal canal stenosis. very mild central disk protrusion at T4-T5 without central spinal canal or neural foaminal stenosis."

So basically, I don't really understand this. I was seeing a doctor of internal medicine. He said this is very serious. He told me that if the disk is damaged even further it could cause permanent paralysis. Is this true? Is it even likely? Also, what does "significant mass effect" imply? what is the ventral thecal sac? is it important? What is intervertebral disk disease? Can it be fixed? Will it get worse? What is spinal canal stenosis? what impact will all these problems have on me? Are these bulging disks something to be concerned about? What can the doctor do to fix all these problems?

I've noticed sharp pains shooting down my legs and sometimes my knee will give out on me for no reason. Could these be due to my back injury? Please help me to understand all this. Thank you.

I'm in the Military and hurt my back due to a fall I sustained at the national training center.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. I can understand your predicament. The prolapsed disc in the back could cause compression of the nerve root exiting at the level. This could lead to neurological symptoms of nerve compression in the leg/thigh back and feet. Severe cases it can disturb sleep, prevent one from prolonged sitting and gives difficult time in walking. Consult your neurologist who would assess with an MRI spine if there were other spinal levels involved in the degenerative disc disease. Light exercise may help return the disc to place. Avoid contact sports, heavy weight lifting, and running. Painkillers should be taken on a regular schedule and not just in response to pain flare ups. Physiotherapy and epidural injections of steroids may help reduce the inflammation. Severe cases need surgical decompression for relief of symptoms where the section of the disc is cut which puts pressure on the nerves. The prognosis post operatively often leads to full or partial relief of symptoms. Future spine problems are possible for all patients after spine surgery particularly after multiple surgeries like foraminotomy and spinal fusion. If the pain is continuing as before, it could be the nerve damage due to preoperative compression. Discuss with your neurosurgeon about these possibilities. Hope this helps. Take care.

[rok619]

The mass effect on the thecal sac sounds serious (spinal cord is being pressed upon) and you should educate yourself as to treatment options available. I wish you luck. Do not worry excessively as stress/anxiety can agravate the problem  but don't ignore the problem either.  You need to see a neurologist & be evaluated further. God Bless