What is prominent central disk extrusion which combines with mild facet ligamentous hypertrophic changes causing severe canal stenosis?

Answer 1

This appears to be a doctor's diagnosis copied from a medical report.

"Prominent central disc extrusion" means that there is a large protrusion or release of the disc material into the central space of the spinal canal. This can be a painful and debilitating problem that could cause pain, weakness and numbness in that part of the body served by that part of the spine.

"Mild facet ligamentous hypertrophic changes" means a slight or early increase of size (hypertrophy) of the ligaments surrounding the facet joints of some undetermined area of the spinal column. This is a description of early wear and tear on the spine in which the ligaments are becoming thicker than normal, commonly associated with early degenerative osteoarthritis.

"Severe canal stenosis" means a serious and advance degree of closing off or narrowing of the spinal canal. This indicates that the spinal cord is being encroached or pressure is being applied to the spinal cord due to reduction of the diameter of the spinal canal.

Taken as a whole, the term means that this person has two problems going on at the same time, disc extrusion and facet ligament thickening, resulting in reduction of the space in the spinal canal. This would likely be causing significant pain, numbness and tingling of the part of the body served by this level of the spine that is being described.