Disc Space Narrowing L5 S1

Disc space narrowing is associated with a condition called degenerative disc disease.

Disc space narrowing l5 s1. L5 s1 helps transfer loads from the spine into the pelvis and legs. However besides narrowing of disc spaces there are other factors involved with degenerative disc disease. Because the curve of the spine changes at this location more stress is placed on this disc than on other discs in the lower back. At l5 s1 there is mild posterior bulging of the disc margin associated with the anterior displacement of the vertebral body.

The lateral x ray fig. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. The l5 s1 spinal motion segment also called the lumbosacral joint is the transition region between the lumbar spine and sacral spine in the lower back. The most frequently encountered is degenerative disc disease a process of gradual deterioration of an intervertebral disc mainly due to osteoarthritis.

2 demonstrates moderate narrowing at l4 l5 and l5 s1 without evidence of instability. An l5 s1 disc disease is a disease of the intervertebral disc space between two vertebrae of the spine. The disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra is called the l5 s1 disc. There is a osteophytosis with disc space narrowing end plate irregularity and disc desiccation at l1 2 and l5 s1.

Slight asnterior displacemnet of the body of l5 s1 and there is marked narrowing of the intervening sic space. While performing a fusion surgery the spinal fixation of the s1 segment usually presents a greater risk of failure pseudarthrosis compared to l5. In this region the curvature of the spine changes from lumbar lordosis forward curve to sacral kyphosis backward curve. A degenerated disc is removed and l5 s1 vertebrae are fused together with implants or bone grafts.

Not universally symptomatic may be an asymptomatic incidental finding take care assuming the these findings cause any symptoms pain. 1 demonstrates disc desiccation with narrowing at l4 l5 and l5 s1. Image courtesy of paul j. The space between discs can narrow due to fluid loss that also leads to narrowing of space between vertebrae states mayfield clinic.

There is a component of contained disc protrusion at both levels. Mark weston answered 30 years experience orthopedic spine surgery degenerative disc. In most cases this disc degeneration is located at the lumbosacral junction between the l5 and s1 vertebrae. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.

What does this all mean. A high intensity zone hiz is seen at l4 l5.