What scans do I go off of? I know something is wrong.

[genar73]

In June 2012 I was involved in auto accident. I had a L5/S1 fusion March 2013 and have had multiple issues since then.  My lower back hurts and tenses up, I have pains that shoot from my lower back down through my leg, my right toe goes numb and I have trouble still walking, standing or sitting for long periods.  I had a MRI done May 2013 that says I have L3/L4 mild to moderate left foraminal narrowing due to a bulging disk, no nerve compression and L4/L5 minimal narrowing of the neural foramina due to a bulging disk without compression and L5/S1 laminectomy defects, no spinal stenosis, have epidural fibrosis surrounding thecal sac.  Had another MRI last week 12/27/13 and only says L3/L4 annular bulge causes mild left foraminal stenosis, and L5/S1 nothing really said.  I had a CT scan Aug 2013 that mentions a mild broad based disc bulge at L2/L3 this time and one at L4/L5.  Says L5/S1 no definitive solid bony bridging across the posterior lateral bone graft mass, appears somewhat patchy and fragmented.  The new CT scan from last week mentions the bulge disc at L2/L3 and L3/L4 this time and L5/S1 present from posterior laminectomy and fusion with interbody spacer, bridging bone is noted posteriorly of the intervertebral graft.  I'm VERY confused at the fact that these are different.  I don't understand how some say bulged discs and other's don't mention it, as well as the epidural fibrosis, etc.  How do I know what scans are correct and pay attention to.  I would think problems just don't disappear.  These scans were all done at different places.  At my last doc appoint before my last scans, he said he was concerned I wasn't fused all of the way because of the pain issues I'm still having.  

[brenpain]

would one need a discectomy at the same level L4L5 that was fused a year ago, and along with that fusion was removal of some disc material on the exiting nerve due to lateral disc herniaiton. ?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
MRI and CT scans view things differently with MRI focusing on soft tissues and CT focusing on bony tissues. Also, the report may vary with the radiologist who looked at the scans. Also, you may need further physiotherapy and spinal manipulation techniques and maybe traction to improve the bony placements and relieve the pressure off the nerves. Please consult your doctor regarding this. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.