L4-5 L4-S1 arthropathy

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lthomas

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:confused: Newbee to this board
I really didn't know I had any back problems because my hip hurts so bad. The report does list multiple hip problems that I did recognize but I don't have a clue what "bilateral facet joint arthropathy at L4-5 and L4-S1 level. Localized fluid collection. " is taking about. That stuff sounRAB like spine.
 
Hi,

"Arthropathy" means joint disease, so in your case it would mean there is joint disease in your facet joints on both sides of your spine. The facet joints are small joints that connect each vertebrae and there's one on each side of each vertebrae. So it's probably arthritic in there, though what you reported doesn't mention if the facets have any osteophytes (bone spurs) or enlargements. And it is occuring on both sides of the vertebrae at your 2 lowest lurabar vertebrae. Usually when the facet joints get too much strain on them (which could be due to degenerating disks), they have more than the usual stress on them. This in turn, can cause these joint bones to thicken and form bone spurs, and these spurs can end up taking up too much space around nearby nerves. This can end up causing lots of pain. And I can't be sure, but the fluid collection might be localized inflammation because it's all irritated in there. So yes, the L4 through S1 are in your lower spine..and yes, problems in your spine can radiated to other areas of your body. Plus you might start walking differntly or limping, and this causes more strain on other body parts. So it can be a vicious domino effect.

Did your doctor offer up any treatments to try?
 
Thanks for the info! I thought it was probably related to old "Arthur" creeping up. I have some joint issues due to a Horrible gymnastics injury in 1968. I have had 6 knee surgeries. I had total knee replacement in 06 and it is indicated for my other knee. The hip problem started almost a year ago after TKA when I returned to my normal exercise routine.

I go back to my TKA OS June 17. I saw a hip replacement specilaist last week and he gave me a referral to a soft tissue OS. I should go to the soft tissue OS before I go to my TKA OS. The back pain is not nearly as painful as my hip or knee. I want them taken care of first.

I have had a little back pain for a few years but I was never concerned with it because when I exercise on the eliptical about 30 mins it takes care of it for the day. Sometimes it wakes me up at night but not as often as my knee and hip.
 
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