Can anyone help me understand my results from CT scan on my back?

Posted by gr8ce78 @gr8ce78, Nov 7 9:41pm

I had a spinal fusion in2022 which was ok at first but the last 2 years its become hard to walk and stand up straight. Recent CT scan and X-rays shows post fusion/posterior instrumentation at L5 minimal grade 1 anterolisthesis of L4 an L5.
Lucencies surrounding the L5 pedicle screws. Intervertebral body spacing device noted at L5, spondylolisthesis of L4 upon L5.
Has anyone had anything like this and if so what have you done to help fix it or at least relieve the pain. Thank you

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 5 days ago

@gr8ce78 Hello and welcome to Connect. I can understand your concern about being 2 years out after spine surgery and having more issues. Grade 1 anterolisthesis means that one vertebrae is slipping forward over another, in this case L4 is slipping forward over L5. Grade 1 means that the slipping is up to 25% past the edge of the lower vertebrae. Grade 2 would be between 25% and 50%, grade 3 between 50% and 75%, etc. Lucency around pedicle screws indicates there is more X-ray transmission through the area, so likely less bone mass, so that may indicate that screws may have loosened or do not have enough bone mass around them. You must be waiting for a recommendation from your surgeon.

What type of interbody device was placed during your spine surgery? Was the L4 - L5 disc removed or was a spacing device placed on the outside of the spine? If the disc was removed, and the vertebrae have shifted, it is possible the bone has not grown together properly. You may need another surgery, but that diagnosis will need to come from a spine surgeon.