Who Understands This X-Ray Report?

[Smowball]

X-Ray Lumbar Spine.

Comparison is made with previous radiograph dated. 07.02.22.
The previously shown L1 compression fracture is again shown. With some further reduction in height, particularly anteriorly, as well as sclerosis in keeping with maturation. Alignment is unchanged, with again posterior prominence in keeping with the known retropulsed bone identified on CT/MRI. Mild anterior wedging of T12 vertebrae is noted. The rest of the lumbar spine appearances are unchanged.

[anneasquith]

Appears to say no change since o7.02.22. ( not a radiologist )

[Smowball]

Hi Anneasquith. That’s what I’m thinking too? Surely it should have improved by now…..

[Redhelen72]

To improve it needs to heal and to heal it needs to rest.
You have not been resting.

[dannyk13]

Lumbar 1 fracture is shown as before with some reduction in patients height.Also there is some sclerosis in keeping with aging.The alignment is unchanged.There is mild wedging of Thoracic 12 vertebrae.The rest of the lumbar spine is unchanged.
Not being medically trained I think this is a resonable translation.

[Smowball]

Fair point Red. But my telephone consultation from the consultant with his diagnosis, which was meant to be on 11th May I still haven’t had! So I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now, and I’ve rang and rang them, left messages, emailed…..

[Smowball]

What does the wedging mean Danny?

[dannyk13]

I believe that it refers to a disc becoming wedge shaped.

[Redhelen72]

/So I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now//
How about REST! sorry but you were advised to get home help in and you didn't - you spent a couple of days in bed and then started doing the cooking and cleaning and even gardening!
What is so difficult about doing what you are told and resting so that you may actually inprove?

Sorry if I sound and come across as hard but I really do not understand what is so difficult to comprehend here!

[barry1010]

Does this explain the wedging, Smow?
https://www.sharecare.com/health/spine/what-anterior-wedging-midthoracic-vertebral

[Smowball]

Yes you are coming across as hard but I deserve it so will take it. What I’m trying to say is that if it hasnt improved then the consultant could at least have given me the 5 minute call I was supposed to get!
And yes Barry it does - Thanku v much.

[barry1010]

I thought you had fractured your cocyx, Smow

[Smowball]

I did previously Barry. And that is the most painful thing still - I can’t even sit down on the sofa without my coxyx cushion, so I’m not sure if this x-ray means they haven’t looked at that, or if technically the fracture has healed.

[choux]

Morning, Smow. Can you ring the secretary of your consultant?

[Smowball]

Morning choux. I’ve tried but it just constantly goes to voicemail so I’ve left a message and I’ve emailed as well.

[choux]

That is a poor show, Smow :(

[barry1010]

So you've had two accidents/incidents managing to fracture your spine each time? Have you got osteoporosis?

[Peter Pedant]

No appeal to sqad which is kinda hinky
here is my go
1.Comparison is made with previous = I have seen the earlier one.
2.The previously shown... = the fracture is still there (!) and it is still squeeshed
3.With some further reduction in height, particularly anteriorly,= she is like the Queen and is losing height. OK specifically the fracture, it is more squeeshed
4.sclerosis in keeping with maturation = the x ray is whiter around the fracture and this shows it is 'old' or not recent. Maturation is word used as 'getting better' is problematical
5.Alignment is unchanged, = not twisted or bent, not more than last time anyway
6. ( vertebral body) sticks out at the back which it shouldnt
7.the known retropulsed bone identified on CT/MRI. = another bit of bone out the back, which again is part of the injury and shouldnt be there - but if it werent there, it wouldnt be a fracture
8.Mild anterior wedging of T12 vertebrae is noted.=
T12 is twelfth thoracic vertebra. Side view is square ( most of the time) This one is squeeshed down at the front ( anterior, nowhere near the spinal cord) - So it looks like a filled quitcase before you have buckled it down.

Salut ( no that is the final sentence)

and all from Readers Digest - as Sqad observed, I did O level biology once

there is no charge for this ( actually I am not sure if I can charge if I am not MB BS)

[MissTerious]

Having similar problems, but but far worse, I would say nothing extra to worry about. Compression fractures will always show up. They are the cause of your height loss. I have three. But it's a shame you haven't been able to discuss the results.

I would carry on as normal. I can assure you that you feel discomfort and some pain probably ongoing, but just rest when you feel you need to. I have been told to keep active but , but pace myself. Compression fractures settle down but remain compressed.

If there was something more serious happening you would be alerted.

Compression fractures occur a lot with osteoporosis Mine were all due to bad falls caused by another condition. I have lost 5 inches!

[Smowball]

Barry - I had a bone density scan in April and I STILL cannot get the results!
PP - Thankyou so much for that lengthy reply - that is much appreciated.
I didn’t want to bother Sqad as he’s probably sick to death of me lol.
MissTerious - 5 inches!? Omg!

[MissTerious]

I was 5'10. I am now about 5'5. And I hate it! I want my inches back, and I can't even walk in heels!!!