Lumbosacral transitional anomalies

The most frequently abnormalities are: Lumbosacral transitional anomalies Scoliosis Hyperyphosis Hyperlordosis Rectification Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis Vertebral arthritis Facet arthritis Spinal stenosis Fissure, protrusion and disc herniation Postoperative fibrosis Dislocation of the coccyx Atlantoaxial Dislocation Sprain Whiplash Syndrome

Description

Spinal abnormalities due to the fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra to the sacrum ("sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra") or to the appearance of a sixth lumbar vertebra, in which the first sacral segment resembles a sixth lumbar ("lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra").

Lateral view
1. Sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra	2. Lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra

How it ocurrs

It is not known why this disorder occurs. It appears during the formation of the skeleton. In other words, one is born with it.

Symptoms

Contrary to earlier belief, these anomalies have not been shown to cause problems; they are only accidental occurrences without any significance. If pain appears, it is due to other reasons.

Risk

None, although it was once believed that they increased the risk of vertebral arthritis in the lumbarized or sacralized segment.

Diagnosis

This is normally found by chance in X-rays.

Treatment

No treatment required.