What is Sacralization of the lumbar spine?

Sacralization is a condition where the base of your spine has fused to the top of your pelvis. Your bottom vertebra is called the F5 lumbar vertebra. It’s joined to your sacrum, the upper ridge of your pelvis, in a way that allows free movement. There’s usually a disc between your bottom vertebra and your pelvic bone.

What is the difference between Lumbarization and Sacralization?

Lumbarization and sacralization The lumbar spine subsequently appears to have six vertebrae or segments, not five. This sixth lumbar vertebra is known as a transitional vertebra. Conversely the sacrum appears to have only four segments instead of its designated five segments.

What does Lumbarisation of S1 mean?

Lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra refers to the segmentation and incorporation of this vertebra into the lumbar spine. Khanna & Chauvan (2003), observed the patients who have three dorsal sacral foramina could present with pain in lower part of the back and legs.

What causes LSTV?

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is a congenital anomaly of the spine that arises because of mutations in the Hox genes, giving rise to sacralization (fifth lumbar vertebra shows assimilation to the sacrum) and lumbarization (first sacral vertebra shows lumbar configuration).

Is Sacralization serious?

For example, sacralization may cause strain on the disc between the fourth and fifth vertebrae, leading to disc slippage or degeneration. It can also cause compression of the spinal nerve and pain in your spine or legs, scoliosis, or sciatica.

Is Sacralization congenital?

Sacralization is a congenital vertebral anomaly of the lumbosacral spine (fusion between L5 and the first sacral segment) [1]. This alteration may contribute to incorrect identification of a vertebral segment.

Can Sacralization be cured?

Each individual is different, and there’s no set treatment. The conservative treatment given for pain associated with sacralization is the same as for other lower back pain.

How is LSTV treated?

Several treatments have been proposed including steroid injections, resections of the LSTV, laminectomy, and lumbar spinal fusion.

What is the difference between sacralisation and lumbarisation of S1?

Lumbarisation of S1 assimilation of S1 to lumbar spine less common than sacralisation, occurring in ~2% of the population 2 presence of six rib-free lumbar-type vertebrae, which may have the following features squaring of highest sacral… squaring of highest sacral (transitional) vertebra facet

Which radiographs are used to identify lumbosacral transitional vertebrae?

Ferguson projection (AP lumbar spine radiograph, 30° cranial tilt) and lateral projection have been traditionally used as the best method for identification of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, although this has been largely replaced by cross-sectional imaging.

What is the sacral segment of the thoracic vertebrae?

Depending on the number of thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, and sacral segments, they can be thought of as a lumbarised S1 segment or sacralised L5 segment. There can be a varying degree of transition, from partial to complete fusion.

What is the rate of lumbarisation of L5 and S1?

Assimilation of L5 to the sacrum is more common than lumbarisation of S1, occurring in ~17% of the population.