Wondering what words of MRI mean?

[Kikko]

I am 66 yr old woman  and in very good health. Have had cervical laminectomy 30 yrs ago and anterior cervical fusion 3 yrs ago.  Have been told my neck is unstable and vertebrea are collapsing forward.  Again having neck,arm shoulder pain with weakness in arms and hands. I also tend to wobble at times with a feeling that I lost my balance for a second or two.

MRI done this week stated: " There is anterior cervical fusion of C3 through C6. There is posterior disc protrusion, spondylosis and spinal stenosis at level C5-6 with extradural defect upon the anterior thecal sac and abutment of the anterior margin of cervical cord at this level.There is nerve root compression on the right at this level. No other segnificant abnormalities are identified. With IV contrast no significant fibrosis or postoperative tethering is identified."

  I do not have an appointment with my orthopedic neurosurgeon for another two weeks.  I just would like to know what all these big medical terms mean, so that I can be informed when I see him. Thank you for the help.

[NJS777]

I've used a free website medical dictionary. Maybe it might help you and others?

www.thefreedictionary.com

[NJS777]

I've used a free website medical dictionary. Maybe it might help you and others?

www.thefreedictionary.com

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes. The symptoms you describe neck/shoulder/arm pain with weakness in arms/hands and difficulty walking are often seen in spinal cord or nerve root compression syndromes.  Your MRI report first describes the old surgeries that you had from cervical vertebrae number 3 (C3) to cervical vertebrae number 6 (C6).  It then relates that you have protruding discs, spondylosis (wear and tear degeneration of the vertebrae that causes collapse and compression) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column that can "pinch" the spinal cord causing problems). The extradural defect (outside the covering of the spinal cord) is pressing on the spinal cord at the C5/C6 level.  You also have signs of nerve root compression on the right at C5/C6.  This would be expected to cause arm and shoulder pain/weakness.  Since you have had multiple surgeries an EMG might be helpful to assess the exent of the damage that has been done to your nerves.  If you develop problems with controlling your urine or bowels (this can happen in bad spinal compression) you should seek emergency care. I hope this has been helpful.

[RSjohnson]

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

[Kikko]

I do know what an MRI is, but its the medical terms in the report that I am interested in knowing more about.