MRI Says Fracture - Bone Scan Doesn't?

[Patti180]

I recently had an MRI that indicated a fracture line on T1 Sequence (Between L4 and L5), most consistent with a macro trabecular fracture, possibly on a stress or insufficienct basis.  I had extreme pain, unable to stand up, walk, get out of bed, lay down, sit down, nothing so I suggested this MRI to my doctor.  I let the doctor know that it was not familiar pain as I have chronic pain in my back and go for epidurals every 3 months.   Because I have the history of cancer, he wanted a bone scan done. Now he is saying since the bone scan doesn't show a fracture so I don't have one.   THe MRI is incorrect and it is probably tissue.  The bone scan only indicated degenerative change in the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies with moderate increased bone uptake and no evidence of metastatic disease.  I have been so angry with him since I went there, because he was acting like I was faking.  My regular doctor gave me a stronger dose of medication and he just kept saying unbelievable.  Yes I am getting another doctor.  Any advice - suggestions, answers?  

[Patti180]

As far as the Bone Scan not saying fracture - apparently the verbage on the bone scan describes a fracture according to another doctor.  I hate when doctors don't believe your pain.  

[Kalvin]

Don't let this Doctor get you down, we've all been treated like that. Glad to hear your feeling a little better. You can usually find me over on the Neck and Bank forum or you can PM me.


Take Care

[Patti180]

Thank you so much for your response.  I will check with the Neurosurgery site.  I do remember you and actually was trying to figure out how I can contact you to ask the question.  I'm very mad at my pain doctor - he was shocked that I went to my regular doctor and got a stronger medication.  He thinks I am making this all up and that is simply not true.  I am starting to feel better little by little.  There had to be something wrong for me to suddently be in all that pain.  I very much appreciate your input Kalvin and have a nice day.

[Kalvin]

Hi, I don't know if you remember me, I responded to a post of yours over on our forum (neck & back) Sorry to hear your still feeling bad and dealing with a lot of pain. I had an bone scan for some unexplained mid- back I was having years ago, and all it showed was some minor changes in my hands and feet. My neck is mess, I've had surgery and I have a bunch of other problems there, my low backs okay but I've had surgery there too. I know I have bone spurs and arthritis in my back and  lots of it in my neck, because MRI's have confirmed it, but the bone scan didn't show any of it. I really don't understand how they work or what their suppose to show.

Sometimes its hard to get a response on this board, try posting on the Neurosurgery forum, it might take a couple days but that Doctor will answer.


Here's the Link:      http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Neurosurgery/show/331