Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
One of the first things I need to do is to get the radiologist who read the MRI and the recent plain films to quantify the degree of facet dz. The neuro-surgeon that I saw 2 weeks ago got plain films to check on stability of the vertebra. All were stable, however the reading on these was facet dz at L4-5 as well as L5-S1. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can't get a re-read.
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Don't be surprised if that isn't possible. There is not an acceptable, proven grading system for facet disease. I'm not great at providing links, but try searching for facet grading systems on here for past discussions and some links to articles provided by Harrison, et al. On top of that, even the more well-known facet grading systems are not well-published in the radiology literature, so your local physicians may not be using a system. You might be able to get someone to distinguish between none, mild, moderate and severe. At least that would be helpful.
Good luck.
-tc-
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L5-S1 rupture 11/04, left leg pain for 2 wks
Regular exercise/pain-free until 2007
L5-S1 degen. disease w/constant pain since 6/07
PT, ESI, SI jt injections, 3-level nerve root inj. x 2
Massage, heat, ice, TENS, etc
L5-S1 Charite Jan. 19th, 2009, very happy w/decision
New back pain in upper back though.
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