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Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: incidence in a consecutive patient series
Elva G Delport1, Tony R Cucuzzella, Nancy Kim
1Christiana Spine Center, Newark, Delaware, USA.
Background:
Great variability exists in the reported frequency of transitional vertebra in the general population as well as in symptomatic lumbar spine patients.
Objective:
To determine the occurrence rate of transitional vertebra in consecutive lumbar spine patients in our practice.
Design:
A prospective, observational study
Methods:
Plain films were viewed and the presence or absence of a lumbar transitional vertebra was documented. Transitional vertebrae were classified as incomplete or complete.
Results:
Of the 300 consecutive patients, 30% had a transitional vertebra.
Conclusion:
Our percentage of patients with a transitional vertebra was higher than the percentages reported for the general population. This supports our belief that the alteration in mechanics caused by a transitional vertebra may at times contribute to pain generation. Additionally, as a transitional segment may not always be visualized on MRI, obtaining plain films prior to an injection or surgery will help prevent confusion over the appropriate level for the procedure.
