Does anyone speak MRI?

stralachlan
stralachlan Member Posts: 40
edited 14. Oct 2009, 16:40 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hey, its been a few months since I was last on the forum moaning about my useless physio appointments. I finally got them to agree to an MRI scan and got the results last week. I've now been referred on to a consultant so I'm feeling very justified and came away happy :)

However, I've now got to wait for an appt and I was wondering if anyone can translate MRI report speak. I was wondering which bit of the MRI report persuaded the physio I really did need a surgical option, and since i was expecting things to be wrong, I probably didnt ask as many questions as I should have done at the time.

I havent got the actual report (may try to get hold of a copy) but from memory it said roughly;
- cartilage thinning (knew that from the Xray)
- osteophyte growth (knew that from the Xray)
- cartilage lesions
- bone marrow degradation? (I think it said degradation, or something similar that means changes anyway)
- bone marrow swelling
- cartilage extrusion

I'm trying to prepare my boss for the idea I could be off work for a bit, and how long that might be. Whether this is the one day arthroscopy type op or something a bit more extensive obviously determines recovery time.

Thanks to anyone who can assist in translating!

Comments

  • mellman01
    mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi stralachlan have you googled it??, other than that have you phoned the Arthritis care help line??. :shock: :)
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I could make a few guesses but thats all they would be and I don't think thats a good idea, google it, that should tell you more.
    Be careful if you do, look at a uk site as some of them tell you all sorts of horror stories, I know i've frighteded myself to death!

    Happy hunting, love Sue.
    PS I've just googled it out of noseyness! :oops: It seems to be a posh way of saying wear and tear of the spine and maybe a disk problem, but this is just my reading of it, I may have got it wrong! :roll:
  • stralachlan
    stralachlan Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I forgot to say its my knee not my spine. I've tried googling and everything surgical talks about knee replacement which I dont think they're recommending. If I use "bone marrow" and "cartilage extrusion" it doesnt come up with much. All the arthroscopy things talk about meniscus tears.

    If anyone could post along the line of "yep that sounds like what I had and this is what they did" that would be superb!

    I'm afraid I'm not very patient and its ages til I'll get an appt :roll:
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I'm sorry its me thats got oa in the spine, must have had Senior Moment :oops: I shouldn't worry too much it is all a very difficult to understand, the way its written is in a very scientific context, more so than a lot of medics use! You have a problem, if I had to put money on it I would say its talking about causes of OA in your knee, but, it is complex language.

    Why don't you go and have a talk with your GP? It might put your mind at rest and give you more information. On the basis of that, I don't think I'd mention time off to your boss yet, because nothing is clear about what will be decided. I think until you know more, thats the best way to play it. After all you may not have to have any surgery and if you do, you dont know what it will involve.

    I know how hard it is to do, believe me, but waiting for the full information from your consultant is best, as your employer may start asking you things you don't know! :oops: The consultant will be able to discuss work and how much time you may need off. Sorry, I can't be of more help. I still think a word with your GP would help you though. Try not to worry, Love Sue

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