Report of Lumbosacral Spine X-rays

Dear Ask The Doctor: My mum went for an x-ray and has gotten her results. As I wasn't present and my mum couldn't explain to me what the doctor said, I hope someone could give me an honest answer based on the report below. Examination - Lumbosacral Spine - (2 views) LUMBOSACRAL SPINE Mild Lumbar scoliosis convex to the left is noted. Alignment of the vertebral bodies is as per radiograph. Spina Bifida of S1 segment is noted. Small Marginal Osteophytes are noted in the lumbar spine. The disc space is narrowed at L4,L5. The pedicles and SI joints are intact. Normal paravertebral soft tissue outlines. COMMENTS Mild lumbar scoliosis and spina bifida of S1 segment are noted. Lumbar spondylosis with narrowed disc space at L4,L5.

Dear Derrick: Do not worry about the scoliosis because this will not progress at your mother’s age. She has a Spina bifida, which a broad term that may be used to describe a number of open defects of the spinal column of various degrees of severity in affecting nervous functions, apparently is asymptomatic in your mother. The osteophytes (bony spurs) are sign of degenerative bone changes (spondylosis) which is aggravated by the narrowed disc space L4-L5 that is producing a nerve compression that is causing the back pain.