Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra-Prevalence of Different Types in South Indian Population with Low Backache

Abstract

Background: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae are common congenital anomaly of the spine involving the lumbosacral vertebral junction with a prevalence of 4% - 35.9%. It can present as sacralization of the lowermost lumbar vertebra or lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra with varying degree of transition from partial to complete fusion. Non-recognition of this variant and/or poor description in the report can lead to operations or procedures performed at the wrong level. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence and frequency of different types of Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) in patients with low back pain in South Indian population. Materials and methods: Plain radiographs of the lumbosacral spine of 450 patients who presented with lower back pain were retrospectively reviewed for the presence and type of LSTV. Results: Using Castellvi system, 450 patients were evaluated and LSTV was observed in 126 patients (28%). Among them 51 (40%) patients had type I, 42 (33.3%) had type II, 27 (21.4%) had type III and 6 (4.7%) had type IV. Conclusion: LSTV occurs at a high frequency in patients with LBP in South Indian population.

Keywords

• castellvi classification
• lumbarization
• lumbosacral transitional vertebra
• plain radiographs
• sacralization