What does transitional lumbosacral anatomy mean?

What does transitional lumbosacral anatomy mean?

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are congenital spinal anomalies, in which an elongated transverse process of the last lumbar vertebra fuses with varying degree to the “first” sacral segment.

How common is lumbosacral transitional vertebrae?

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are a relatively common variant and can be seen in ~25% (range 15-35%) of the general population 1-3.

What does partial Lumbarization mean?

Partial lumbarisation can been seen with distinct disc space between the S1 and S2 or partial fusion between the bodies of S1 and S2 with no disc space between them. Lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra refers to the segmentation and incorporation of this vertebra into the lumbar spine.

Is sacralization of L5 normal?

Sacralization is a common irregularity of the spine, where the fifth vertebra is fused to the sacrum bone at the bottom of the spine. The fifth lumbar vertebra, known as L5, may fuse fully or partially on either side of the sacrum, or on both sides. Sacralization is a congenital anomaly that occurs in the embryo.

What causes transitional lumbosacral anatomy?

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is a congenital anomaly of the spine that arises because of mutations in the Hox genes, giving rise to sacralization (fifth lumbar vertebra shows assimilation to the sacrum) and lumbarization (first sacral vertebra shows lumbar configuration).

Can a transitional vertebrae cause pain?

The pain people experience from Bertolotti’s Syndrome is due to the transverse process of the transitional vertebrae rubbing against the pelvis bone. With repetitive rubbing from daily activities, it can cause irritation and inflammation leading to pain. This is similar to arthritis in your joints.

Can transitional vertebrae cause pain?

Can Lumbarization cause pain?

Typically, patients with lumbarization of the spine can experience pain during movement. This can cause a great deal of difficulty when performing activities of daily living.

How do you treat transitional vertebrae?

Bertolotti’s syndrome (BS) refers to the possible association between the congenital malformation lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), and low back pain (LBP). Several treatments have been proposed including steroid injections, resections of the LSTV, laminectomy, and lumbar spinal fusion.