interpretation of x-ray - Kim

[Guest guest]

Kim - I provided my interpretation of what was written in your report. Sorry if

many others have already written you - my computer has been getting my emails to

me very late.

If you have any other question - or what I said doesn't make sense - feel free

to get in touch with me.

McK

Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2005 17:43:15 -0000

From: " ksamedifference " <ksamedifference@...>

Subject: OT/ Need help with interpratation of x-ray and CT scan

Here is what the ER x-rays showed...The odontoid view is suboptimal. (Bad view

of the odontoid part of C2 vertebrae)

The lateral view (side view) shows the cervical vertebral bodies in good

alignment without evidence of compression fracture defromity or

subluxation. (the bones are in-line - this is good! ) The disc spaces are

fairly well maintained (with no narrowing of the discs -- discs look good).

There is

however, mild spurring of the endplates at C5 and C6 (the tops and bottoms of

the bones have alittle bit of calcium growths on them. This is not usually a

problem). The flexion and extension views demonstrate no evidence of

subluxation (when you bend forward and backward - the bones are not moving -

subluxing - away from where they are supposed to be - so the ligaments are

proably holding up OK). The posterior (baCK) elements are intact and

prevertebral soft tissue swelling is identified. There is a radiopaque density

(this just says what it looks like on the x-ray) projected over the

prevertebral soft tissues at the level of C3, likely representing normal variant

calcification in the superior cornua of the thyroid cartilage (the radiopaque

density is probably on the top of the thyroid and is likely a normal change).

There is also a geometric radiopaque density projected over the occipital

region, which may represent radiopaque foreign body over the soft tissues of the

scalp (there is something that doesn't belong there - foreign body - over the

scalp on the back of the head - the occipital bone. IMPRESSION: 1. The

odontoid view is nondiagnostic (bad picture of this part of C2 so they can't

tell if there is anything wrong with it). The examination otherwise shows no

evidence of acute bony trauma. 2. Potential radiopaque foreign bodies versus

intracranial calcification projected over the occipital region. (what they say

on the back ofthe head could either be a foreign body or extra calcium growth in

the bone area of the occipital bone) 3. Recommend clinical correlation. CT

follow-up may be required for the delineation. (they're recommending a CT scan

to determine for sure what the 'radiopaque' things are on the x-rays.

My CT scan with contrast isn't ready

yet and the head CT,s aren't done either. The CT scan w/o contrast

states... REPORT: C1-T1 disk levels are imaged in the axial plane with 3 mm

thick slices, coronal and sagittal reconstruct images are

also presented for interpretation. (this just tells you that they took a

picture every 3 mm from C1-T1.) Vertebral body heights and disk

space alignment appear grossly normal. (normal is good - grossly - just means

as a general statement - all is good!) There is some minimal disk

narrowing at that level. (Slight disc space narrowing was seen - this is

usually not a big deal) IMPRESSION: Vertebral body heights are

unremarkable. No evidence of fracture, dislocation or any acute osseous

abnormality (nothing abnormal was seen in the bones). No definite central

stenosis or neural

foraminal impingement is seen at any level. (where the nerves and spinal cord

travels is wide open - no traffic jams - heheh. ) Note is made of some

minimal posterior (back) osteophytes (excess calcium growth) seen off the C5-6

disk level in the left lateral (left - side) recess. No definite nerve root

impingemant is seen. (it does not look as if the nerve roots are beign pinched

off) If the patient's symptoms are in the C5-6 dermatome (if you have symptoms

- decreased sensation, numbness, weakness - with the outside of the shoulder

(deltoid muscle) elbow flexion/bending, wrist extnsion) , further evaluation

by MRI of the cervical spine could potentially be indicated (if you have any of

these symptoms in our

arm, they may recommend another MRI - to make sure

that the nerve is not being piched off).

I have no idea on what any of it means. I think the other CT scan of the head

will indicate what the occipital problem or whatever is. If

anyone knows what any of this means please let me know!!!! Thanks KIM PS: I

think we now know why he sent me for a CT Scan...The ER report suggested it! LOL

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