L5-S1 Disk Extrusion

Unknown Spine Case 11

Presentation

33 y/o male with a history of radicular pain on the right.

• FSE T2-weighted Sagittal Image
• FSE T2-weighted Axial Image
• T1-weighted Axial Image

Image Findings

A focal extrusion of the disk is seen at the L5-S1 level on sagittal and axial images.

Discussion

Disk extrusions are characterized by a relatively narrow base compared to a broad base for disk protrusions. In extrusions, the nucleus has ruptured completely through the annulus. In protrusions, some annular fibers remain. Asymptomatic disk protrusions are not infrequent, unlike extrusions.