Disc Space Narrowing L5 S1

L5 s1 helps transfer loads from the spine into the pelvis and legs.

Disc space narrowing l5 s1. A high intensity zone hiz is seen at l4 l5. The most frequently encountered is degenerative disc disease a process of gradual deterioration of an intervertebral disc mainly due to osteoarthritis. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.

2 demonstrates moderate narrowing at l4 l5 and l5 s1 without evidence of instability. While performing a fusion surgery the spinal fixation of the s1 segment usually presents a greater risk of failure pseudarthrosis compared to l5. What does this all mean.

The space between discs can narrow due to fluid loss that also leads to narrowing of space between vertebrae states mayfield clinic. In most cases this disc degeneration is located at the lumbosacral junction between the l5 and s1 vertebrae. However besides narrowing of disc spaces there are other factors involved with degenerative disc disease.

In this region the curvature of the spine changes from lumbar lordosis forward curve to sacral kyphosis backward curve. 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. This makes the l5 s1 disc particularly susceptible to degeneration.

There is a osteophytosis with disc space narrowing end plate irregularity and disc desiccation at l1 2 and l5 s1. Disc space narrowing is associated with a condition called degenerative disc disease. Image courtesy of paul j.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. The sagittal mri fig. Not universally symptomatic may be an asymptomatic incidental finding take care assuming the these findings cause any symptoms pain.