September 1, 2004

• Medical Jargon

  MRI Contradicts X-Ray

  Maybe my back isn't broken.

  The X-ray said it was but now the MRI may say it isn't.

  The element of doubt is due to my lack of understanding of the medical terms used, which I intend to look up in the near future. The following is quoted from the MRI report:
  

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  Findings:

  Multiple level loss of nuclear volume with dessication throughout the entire thoracic spine most prominent in the mid and lower dorsal regions. Moderate type I signal at T10-11. Mild dorsal osteophytic ridging and lower thoracic spine with impingement on the ventral surface of the thecal sac unaccompanied by central canal stenosis or compression of grossly normal appearing thoracic cord. Vertebral bodies otherwise maintain normal stature and alignment. No other remarkable findings.
  

  Impression:

  Moderate chronic diffuse discopathic thoracic spondylosis without acute disc herniation, fracture, or bony destructive change or cord abnormality. No gross stenosis detected.
  

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  In other words, my mid-spine has gotten stiff and dry with some signs of damage, and has developed a small hump, but the bony spine segments are unbroken, the discs are intact, the cord hasn't been harmed and nothing else that could be dangerous seems to be happening. It is probably fragile from the dryness and deformation.

  If anybody can improve on my offhand translation, I would appreciate their feedback.

  Even if it isn't broken, it sure hurts like hell tonight.

  • 01:19
  • 1 Comment