Low back pain/facet, (unclear wording). Nonenhanced CT of the lumber spine:Axial 3 mm CT images of the entire lumbosacral spine with zero degree angulation of the gantry were attained. Sagittal and coronal 2-D reformatted images were also obtained.A bony density of vertebral column and its alignment is within normal limits. There is no evidence of bony central canal stenosis is detected. Note should be made that CT examination is insensitive for evaluation of intra-canalicular soft tissues of disk and the cord ligamentum flavum. Precise assessment for central spinal stenosis is not possible on CT of lumber spine.Minimal degenerative disk disease in the lower lumbar spine is noted. There is minimal degenerative changes of posterior elements in the lower lumbar spine is identified. There is no significant hypertrophic changes of facets and no evidence for widening of the facet spaces are detected. Although not sensitive on this examination there is no detectable neural foramina compromise. Mild bulge of disk material at L3 -- L4 and L4 -- L5 levels are noted. Perispinal soft tissues are unremarkable.Examination at the level of sacrum demonstrate degenerative changes of SI joints bilaterally with vacuum phenomenon.MRI examination is significantly more sensitive for detection of degenerative changes.
1.Minimal degenerative changes of disk and posterior elements in the lower lumbar spine. There is however no evidence of any significant degenerative changes of disk or posterior elements. No significant hypertrophic changes of the facets or widening of the spaces is detected.2.No evidence of central spinal stenosis or neural foramina compromise at any level. This exam is insensitive for precise evaluation.3.Degenerative changes of the SI joints bilaterally with vacuum phenomenon. No bony sclerotic changes.4.MRI is significantly more sensitive for detection of subtle findings.