What is transitional vertebra with lumbarization of S1?

Introduction. 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. 1.

What does transitional S1 vertebra mean?

“Transitional vertebra” is a fairly common spinal deformity, in which the lowest vertebrae of the spine, the fifth lumbar vertebra, is partially fused to the top of sacrum. This odd hybrid bone is not a proper lumbar vertebra, and certainly not a sacral segment either — thus, it is a “transitional” vertebra.

What are the treatment for 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.

What is a Lumbarized S1 segment?

Lumbarization is where the first sacral segment is – at least partially – mobile instead of being part of the fused mass of the sacrum. It constitutes an ‘extra’ lumbar vertebra, often referred to as L6, The first sacral segment is said to be lumbarised.

How do you fix Lumbarization S1?

How is Lumbarization Treated? In the first instance, over-the-counter painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful. However, if they do not help, nerve block injections with the use of a local anesthetic may provide some temporary relief.

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 causes Lumbarization?

Lumbarization is actually a congenital abnormality, meaning it is present in an individual from birth. Here, the first sacral vertebra is not fused to the rest of the sacrum. Due to this, it appears that there are six lumbar vertebrae and only four sacral vertebrae.

What is Lumbarization and Sacralization?

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.

Is Lumbarization painful?

Conclusion. Lumbarization of the spine is a painful condition that has numerous treatment options. Given it is a congenital condition, it can be diagnosed early and treatments can be pursued before it is too late.

Is Lumbarization genetic?

Lumbarization and sacralization Lumbarization is an anomaly in the spine. It is defined by the nonfusion of the first and second segments of the sacrum. While only around 10 percent of adults have a spinal abnormality due to genetics, a sixth lumbar vertebra is one of the more common abnormalities.

What are lumbosacral transitional vertebrae?

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.

What is the difference between sacralisation and lumbarisation of the S1?

Lumbarisation of S1 1 assimilation of S1 to lumbar spine 2 less common than sacralisation, occurring in ~2% of the population 2 3 presence of six rib-free lumbar-type vertebrae, which may have the following features squaring of highest sacral (transitional) vertebra facet joints (even rudimentary) and intervertebral disc between S1 and S2

What causes lumbarization of sacral vertebrae?

It occurs due to non-fusion of first and second sacral segments. This lumbarized S1 vertebra may also have a disc like the other lumbar segments or may have a disc space that remains underdeveloped. This lumbarized first sacral vertebra appears like another lumbar vertebra, which may give an impression of a 6th lumbar vertebra.

What does a lumbarized S1 vertebra look like?

This lumbarized S1 vertebra may also have a disc like the other lumbar segments or may have a disc space that remains underdeveloped. This lumbarized first sacral vertebra appears like another lumbar vertebra, which may give an impression of a 6th lumbar vertebra.