Prevalence Of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae Research Articles

Prevalence of Transitional Vertebra in Lumbar Disc Herniation in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Background: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) occur as a congenital anomaly in the segmentation of lumbosacral spine that occur during intrauterine life. LSTV includes lumbarization and sacralization of the lumbosacral region. A transitional vertebra(TV) may have varying formations, the common feature being an atypical lumbosacral articulation between transverse process of the most inferior lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the prevalence of LSTV in lumbar disc herniation(LDH). Most of the studies showed increased prevalence while other studies showed TV is an incidental finding and there is no increased prevalence in LDH. LDH is a quiet common ailment encountered in neurosurgical practice. Numerous causes have been attributed to it. LSTV might have great importance in patients who clinically seem to have LDH where it’s presence in plain X-ray might provide a supportive evidence for diagnosis and it can help to counsel the patient. We will be able to recommend a plain x-ray of lumbosacral spine first, having history and clinical findings suggestive of LDH and can save the cost of MRI investigation until decision for operation. Beside this LSTV is an important entity for spinal surgeons , radiologists and also for those who do interventional procedures in the spine. For this reason the prevalence of TV in LDH should be known. This study was not carried out in our country yet. So this study will enrich our demographic information and will also help the spinal surgeons to counsel the patients about their congenital spinal morphological variation and different facts related with this. Objectives: General objective of this study is to observe the prevalence of LSTV in patients with LDH. Specific objective of this study was to identify the diathroidal joint or fusion between transverse process of last lumbar vertebra and ala of sacrum, to count the vertebral number from C2 to S1 in whole spine screening film, to identify the transitional vertebra as sacralization or lumbarization or absence of TV, to predict the future possibility of development of LDH from plain X-ray of lumbosacral spine. Methods: This study was a cross sectional type of observational study and was conducted in Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). The patients (N=45) who fulfilled the selection criteria was enrolled in this study. Patient’s data were recorded in a predetermined data sheet. Patients were informed in details about the study, its merits and demerits in easy and understandable language and then informed consent was taken. Also assurance was given that all the information and records would be kept confidential and the study result would help the neurosurgeons to counsel the patients with LSTV about future possibility of development of LDH from plain X-ray of lumbosacral spine. This study was not responsible for any additional harm to the patient and study had no potential risk to the patient and no experimental drugs were used in this study. Results: A total of 45 patients of LDH were studied to see the prevalence of lumbosacral TV in LDH. Based on history and clinical findings, 100% of patients presented with low back pain, 100% of patients presented with sciatica, and 62.2% presented with gait difficulty and 02.2% of patients presented with cauda equina syndrome. Mean age of patients having LDH herniation was 38.08 ± 10.15 years. LSTV was found in 31.11% of patients with LDH. In this study, LSTV was diagnosed by plain X ray of Lumbosacral spine (A/P view) and supplemented with MRI of L/S spine with screening of whole spine (in most cases). Diagnosis of transitional vertebra was done by researcher and was further confirmed by guide and faculty members of BSMMU. In relation to gender, prevalence of LSTV in male was 25.9% and in female was 38.9% which indicated higher prevalence of TV in female but this is not statistically significant (p value 0.356).Incidence of disc herniation in patients with TV was at the space above the transition in 85.7% of cases. The most likely explanation for this is that the motion segment cephalad to the LSTV has to bear additional stresses by virtue of it being juxtaposed to a relatively non-mobile segment Conclusion: This study reveals that the prevalence of LSTV in LDH is 31.11% which is near the upper limit of its prevalence(according to literature). Association of TV with LDH can not be obtained as a control group of patient without LDH was not considered. So further study should be carried out incorporating large number of patients with control group with long study period to generalize the findings to target population. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2023; 12(2): 76-85

Review of current pain management in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae

Pain in patients with transitional lumbosacral vertebrae is managed with surgical and non-surgical treatment. The non-surgical treatment involves techniques of traditional oriental medicine, manual therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, and pharmacological blockade. Surgical interventions include resection of the pseudarthrosis, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and interbody fusion. The paper presents immediate and, in some cases, long-term outcomes, the causes of unsatisfactory outcomes and complications. The relevance of the study stems from the high prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the population, and, moreover, the lack of unified, generally accepted algorithms in choosing individual treatment, based on the history of patients, their age, as well as concomitant dystrophic changes of the superior spinal motion segments.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5-S1 disc herniation based on image analysis and clinical findings: A retrospective review of 345 cases.

The effect of spinal anatomical anomalies on the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for disc herniation repair is unclear. This retrospective review aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of PELD for treating L5-S1 disc herniation with a range of characteristics and to determine the prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) anatomical anomalies to facilitate pre-surgical planning. From July 2005 to June 2019, 345 patients with L5-S1 disc herniations were treated with PELD. The primary outcome was 1-year postoperative visual analogue scale scores for low back and lower limb pain. The secondary outcomes included the surgical approach used, lumbosacral bony anomalies, presence of a ruptured disc or severely calcified disc, pediatric lumbar disc herniation, recurrent disc herniation management, and the long-term outcome. visual analogue scale scores for most patients were significantly improved after surgery. The prevalence of LSTVs was 4.05% (14/345 patients) in lumbar sacralization and 7.53% (26/345 patients) in sacral lumbarization. The prevalence of ruptured and severely calcified discs was 18.55% (64/345) and 5.79% (20/345), respectively. The prevalence of pediatric lumbar disc herniation was 2.02% (7/345). The recurrence rate was 4.34% (15/345). Two durotomy cases without sequelae and 8 cases of lower limb dysesthesia lasting longer than 3 months postoperatively were reported. PELD is safe and effective for treating L5-S1 disc herniation, including cases complicated by calcified lumbar disc herniation, disc rupture with migration, and the presence of LSTV. Appropriate imaging is essential to identify case-specific factors, including the prevalent LSTV anatomical anomalies, before surgery.

Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae amongst the Individuals Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Whole Spine in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae is a common congenital anomalous condition of the spine. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging have made it possible to acquire images of the whole spine. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae amongst the individuals undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine in a tertiary care hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 750 patients of all age groups who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences from 7th November, 2019 to 6th November, 2020. Convenience sampling technique was used. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number 207/19). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculatedalong with frequency and percentage. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra was seen in 98 (13.10%) (95% Confidence Interval= 10.61-15.51) of the total 750 individuals. Out of the 98 patients who had lumbosacral transitional vertebra, 31 (4.10%) had lumbarization of S1 vertebra and 67 (8.94%) had sacralization of L5 vertebra. Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae amongst the individuals undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine in our hospital was similar to other study done in similar settings. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae are a common congenital anomalous condition of the spine that is identified incidentally. Enumeration of vertebrae from the first cervical vertebra using whole spine magnetic resonance imaging can confirm the presence of the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae with much accuracy.

Variations in the Number of Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

Abnormal anatomy is a contributory factor to wrong-level surgery. Variations in the number of vertebrae in populations from different races and geographical regions have been described. A ∼10% prevalence of variations in number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients has been previously reported. The objectives of present study were (i) to find out the prevalence of variations in the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) in Indian AIS patients and (ii) to correlate these variations with gender and type of curve. Hospital records and imaging of 198 AIS patients were reviewed retrospectively. A standardized numbering strategy was used to identify the number of thoracic vertebrae, number of lumbar vertebrae, and presence of LSTV. Patients' gender and curve type were correlated with the presence of an abnormal number of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. Radiology reports and operation notes were reviewed to find out instances when the radiologist or surgeon had identified an abnormal number of vertebrae. Forty patients (20.2%) with abnormally numbered thoracic or lumbar vertebrae were identified. Twenty patients (10.1%) had abnormally numbered thoracic vertebrae, and 33 patients (16.7%) had abnormally numbered lumbar vertebrae. The prevalence of LSTV was 18.2%. Presence of variations did not correlate with gender or curve type. Radiology reports identified 2/40 patients with variations, whereas operation notes showed 4/40 patients had been correctly identified to have abnormally numbered vertebrae. There is high prevalence of variation in the number of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae in AIS patients, with most of those missed being identified by radiologists or surgeons. The patient's preoperative imaging must be scrutinized to identify these patients and take the variation into account to avoid wrong selection of fusion levels. 3. Text. The study raises awareness about possibility of wrong selection in fusion levels due to anatomical variations in surgery for AIS.

Changes of Fixed Anatomical Spinopelvic Parameter in Patients with Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae: A Matched Pair Analysis.

Functional spinopelvic parameters are crucial for describing spinal alignment (SA), but this is susceptible to variation. Anatomically fixed pelvic shape is defined by the parameters pelvic radius (PR), pelvic incidence (PI), and sacral table angle (STA). In patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), the spinopelvic alignment may be altered by changes of these parameters and influences of SA. There have been no reports studying the relation between LSTV, four (4 LV) and six (6 LV) lumbar vertebrae, and fixed anatomical spinopelvic parameters. A retrospective analysis of 819 abdomen–pelvis CT scans was performed, identifying 53 patients with LSTV. In a matched-pair analysis, we analyzed the influence of LSTV and the subgroups 4 LV (n = 9) and 6 LV (n = 11) on PR, PI, and STA. LSTV were classified according to Castellvi classification. In patients with 6 LV, measurement points at the superior endplates of S1 and S2 were compared. The prevalence of LSTV was 6.5% (53/819), 6 LV was 1.3% (11/819), and 4 LV was 1.1% (9/819) in our study population. PI significantly increased (p < 0.001), STA significantly decreased (p < 0.001), and PR (p = 0.051) did not differ significantly in the LSTV group (n = 53). Similar findings were observed in the 4 LV subgroup, with an increase in PI (p < 0.021), decrease in STA (p < 0.011), and no significant difference in PR (p < 0.678). The same results were obtained in the 6 LV subgroup at measuring point S2 (true S1) PI (p = 0.010), STA (p = 0.004), and PR (p = 0.859), but not at measuring point S1 (true L6). Patients with LSTV, 4 LV, and 6 LV showed significant differences in PI and STA compared to the matched control group. PR showed no significant differences. The altered spinopelvic anatomy in LSTV patients need to be reflected in preoperative planning rebalancing the sagittal SA.

Prevalence of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae in Patients With Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement Requiring Hip Arthroscopy

The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs) in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) requiring hip arthroscopy. The secondary aim was to determine whether there is an association between LSTV anatomy and patient-reported outcomes. This retrospective study included patients aged 18 to 45 years with symptomatic FAI who underwent arthroscopy between March 2010 and March 2016 and had anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. The exclusion criteria included lack of an FAI diagnosis, hip osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade ≥ 2), prior spinal fusion surgery, prior total hip arthroplasty, indications for total hip arthroplasty, and revision surgery on the affected hip. All radiographs were assessed by an interventional spine and sports fellow. The primary outcome was the prevalence of LSTVs, classified using the criteria of Castellvi etal. Secondary outcomes included the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score, and International Hip Outcome Tool 33 score. A total of 1,880 patients were included. Review of the patients' radiographs yielded 262 LSTVs, for an overall prevalence of 13.9% (type IA in 104 [5.5%], type IB in 53 [2.8%], type IIA in 60 [3.2%], type IIB in 25 [1.3%], type IIIA in 8 [0.4%], type IIIB in 0 [0%], and type IV in 12 [0.64%]). The prevalence of type II, III, and IV LSTVs was 5.6% (n=105). Unilateral LSTV sidedness did not correlate with symptom laterality (κ= 0.07). There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes between patients with LSTV anatomy and those without it. In this large cohort of 1,880 patients with symptomatic FAI, the prevalence of LSTVs was 13.9%. There was no correlation between sidedness of unilateral LSTVs and the symptomatic hip. Furthermore, there was no association between LSTV anatomy and patient-reported outcomes. The prevalence of LSTVs in this cohort was similar to the prevalence rates previously reported in patients with low-back pain. Level IV, case series.

Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs in Berlin.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV) are abnormally formed vertebrae of congenital origin. Dogs with LTV are predisposed to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and hip dysplasia due to a weakened sacroiliac attachment. Moreover, LTV has been discussed as a cause of cauda equina syndrome. To date, LTV remain poorly understood and a diagnostic standard is yet to be established. This study examines prevalence, types and breed predispositions for LTV in the canine population in Berlin. The diagnostic value of laterolateral radiographs of the lumbosacral region, in addition to ventrodorsal radiographs, was also evaluated. The prevalence of LTV was assessed by reviewing ventrodorsal pelvic radiographs of 1030 dogs. LTV were detected in 95 (9.2%) dogs. The prevalence was higher in Pugs (63.6%) and Jack Russel Terriers (27.6%) than in the other breeds. The most common type of LTV was type II (37.9%), showing separation of the first sacral segment from the sacrum, the presence of a rudi-mentary intervertebral space between the first sacral segment and the rest of the sacrum, and symmetrically formed transverse processes. Laterolateral radiographs were available for 66 of 95 dogs with LTV and provided evidence of a rudimentary intervertebral disc space between the first and second sacral vertebrae in all cases of LTV type II and III (100%). The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the condition. Furthermore, they demonstrate that laterolateral radiographs are a valuable addition to standard ventrodorsal radiographs and should be included in routine LTV screening protocols to provide a complete evaluation.

Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae: A Cadaveric Investigation of Prevalence and Relation to Lumbar Degenerative Disease.

This is a retrospective cohort study. The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) in the general population and measure the resulting spinal arthritic changes. LSTV are a morphologic variation within the lumbar spine that has potentially significant clinical implications. LSTV prevalence has been investigated using nonrandom volunteer samples and patient populations presenting with medical complaints such as abdominal or lumbar pain warranting computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. The examination of LSTV prevalence and variations using a true random population to our knowledge has yet to be conducted, and the relation between LSTV and spinal arthritis has not been rigorously examined. A total of 560 cadaveric skeletons were obtained from the Hamann-Todd osteological collection. The transverse processes of the terminal lumbar vertebrae were examined and measured, since the classification at times is based on examination and at times is based on measurement. The lumbar degenerative disease was graded on each specimen. Our search revealed 489 (87.3%) nontransitional vertebrae and 71 (12.7%) transitional vertebrae, with the majority of these Castellvi type IA (N=28), type IB (N=19), and type IIA (N=11). Transitional vertebrae as a whole (standardized β=0.090, P=0.015), and in particular type Ia showed a correlation to osteoarthritis in the L4-L5 vertebral level (standardized β=0.089, P=0.015). This cadaveric study aids in establishing the prevalence of LSTV (12.7%) in a random population and the frequency of the various Castellvi LSTV morphologies. An association was found between type Ia morphology and L4-L5 osteoarthritis which has not been reported in the past, suggesting that mild LSTV may carry more significance to lumbar pathology than previously considered.

Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed-specific differences.

Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in "screw-tailed" brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.

Determination of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in kidney urinary bladder x-ray films in the Saudi population

Objectives:To investigated the rate of occurrence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spinal variant, in kidney urinary bladder (KUB) plain radiographs in a Saudi population.Methods:Between January 2012 to January 2015, KUB plain films obtained from patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed, and the presence or absence of LSTV was documented and classified as incomplete or complete. Patients who had evidence of spinal surgery that would obscure the view were excluded.Results:A total of 2078 patients underwent KUB examinations during the study period; LSTV anomalies were detected in 158 of these. Sacralization was present in 153 (96.8%) of this cohort, while lumbarization was present in 5 (3.2%). A total of 136 (86.1%) of the sacralized segments were of the incomplete type, whereas 17 (10.7%) were complete. Of the lumbarized vertebrae, 3 (1.8%) were incomplete, and 2 (1.2%) were complete. The most frequent type in men was type Ib (28.5%) for sacralized segments, and type IIb for lumbarized segments (0.6%). In women, type Ia was the most common form of sacralized segments (11.3%) and type IIb was the most common form of lumbarized segments (2.8%).Conclusion:The prevalence of LSTV in Saudi patients is 7.6%, with a higher incidence of sacralization than lumbarization. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up time are needed to demonstrate the clinical significance thereof.

Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs in the Czech Republic

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a common congenital anomaly of the spine in dogs. It is a predisposing factor for degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and development of cauda equina syndrome or hip dysplasia in affected dogs. The aim of the study was to determine breed predisposition, types, and prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the canine population in the Czech Republic. The value of laterolateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in the diagnosis of LTV was also evaluated. Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae was determined by reviewing ventrodorsal radiographs of pelvis with an extended hip of 1,878 dogs. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae were detected in 188 dogs (10%). German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Bohemian Shepherd were found to be highly predisposed breeds. The most common type of lumbosacral transitional vertebra was type II with separation of the first sacral vertebra from sacrum and presence of rudimentary intervertebral space between S1 and the sacral median crest (37.8% of the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae). Type I was detected in 29.2% and the asymmetric type of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (type III) in 33%. Laterolateral radiograph of the lumbosacral spine was evaluated in 126 dogs from 188 with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Rudimentary intervertebral disc space between S1 and S2 in laterolateral radiographs was detected in 100% of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae with type II and III, and was not detected in type I. The findings on lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the Czech Republic will extend knowledge about the disease. Both ventrodorsal hip-extended and laterolateral radiographs should be recommended for routine screening and reliable differentiation among the three different types of lumbosacral transitional vertebra.

The Prevalence of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae in an American Population

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) is a congenital vertebral anomaly of the L5-S1 junction in the spine. This alteration may contribute to incorrect identification of a vertebral segment, leading to wrong-level spine surgery and poor correlation with clinical symptoms. Though several studies describe the occurrence of this anomaly in back pain populations, investigation of the prevalence in an American non-back pain population is lacking.

Segmental innervation in lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV): a comparative clinical and intraoperative EMG study

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), little is known about the segmental innervation in this condition.MethodsThe authors performed a prospective comparative clinical evaluation and an intraoperative electromyographic...

LUMBOSACRAL TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRAE IN DOGS: CLASSIFICATION, PREVALENCE, AND ASSOCIATION WITH SACROILIAC MORPHOLOGY

The prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV) was determined by reviewing the pelvic radiographs of 4000 medium- and large-breed dogs of 144 breeds routinely screened for canine hip dysplasia. An LTV was seen in 138 (3.5%) dogs. The prevalence was higher in German Shepherd dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs than in the other breeds, suggesting a genetic predisposition. There was no gender predisposition. The transverse processes of the LTV were divided into three types based on their morphological characteristics: lumbar type or type 1; intermediate type or type 2; and sacral type or type 3. In a symmetric LTV, both transverse processes are of the same type, while in an asymmetric LTV they are not. The frequency of occurrence of symmetric and asymmetric LTV was similar. In symmetric LTV, intermediate-type transverse processes predominated. Most of the asymmetric LTV had an intermediate-type transverse process combined with a lumbar or sacral type, respectively. Highly asymmetric LTV were often angled relative to the adjacent vertebrae. We hypothesize that an LTV is not the result of transformation of a lumbar into a sacral vertebra or vice versa, but rather is an autonomous intermediate type of vertebra. It occurs when the point of contact of the pelvis with the vertebral column is slightly cranial or caudal to its normal position. The resulting formative stimulus on the vertebral ossification centers, sagittally still separated, causes the various morphologies seen in LTV including the asymmetric variations.

Prevalence of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae and their Relationship with Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Prevalence of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae and their Relationship with Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in korean

Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in korean