Radiological Report: LS Spine Lateral View

Key Radiological Findings

Diagnosis

Lumbar Spondylosis (Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine)

1. Multi-level disc space narrowing - most prominent at L4-L5 and L5-S1, the most common sites of degenerative change
2. Osteophyte formation - bony spurs at the anterior and posterior vertebral margins (spondylotic bars), a hallmark of degenerative disc disease
3. Endplate sclerosis - increased density at vertebral endplates indicating subchondral reactive change
4. Loss of lumbar lordosis - straightening of the normal lumbar curve, often due to protective muscle spasm or chronic degeneration

Clinical Correlation

• Chronic low back pain (LBP), possibly worse on prolonged standing/sitting
• Morning stiffness that eases with activity
• Referred pain to buttocks or thighs (somatic referred pain)
• If posterior osteophytes are prominent: possible neurogenic claudication (lateral recess/foraminal stenosis)

Differential Diagnoses to Consider

1. Degenerative spondylolisthesis - needs to be assessed clinically; no obvious slip seen here but instability films (flexion/extension) would clarify
2. Ankylosing spondylitis - less likely given osteophyte pattern (marginal vs. flowing syndesmophytes) and patient demographics
3. Osteoporotic vertebral changes - bone density appears relatively preserved, but DEXA scan would be advisable in a 50-year-old peri/post-menopausal woman

Recommended Next Steps

• MRI lumbar spine - to assess disc, spinal canal, nerve root compression, and soft tissue changes
• DEXA scan - rule out osteoporosis given age/sex
• Flexion-extension X-rays - if instability/listhesis suspected clinically
• Conservative management initially: physiotherapy, NSAIDs, core strengthening

Disclaimer: This AI-assisted radiological interpretation is for educational purposes only and should be correlated with clinical findings by a qualified physician/radiologist. It does not replace formal radiological reporting.