RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae: Classification, Imaging Findings, and Clinical Relevance
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 1778
OP 1786
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A2036
VO 31
IS 10
A1 G.P. Konin
A1 D.M. Walz
YR 2010
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/31/10/1778.abstract
AB SUMMARY: LSTVs are common within the spine, and their association with low back pain has been debated in the literature for nearly a century. LSTVs include sacralization of the lowest lumbar vertebral body and lumbarization of the uppermost sacral segment. These vertebral bodies demonstrate varying morphology, ranging from broadened transverse processes to complete fusion. Low back pain associated with an LSTV may arise from the level above the transition, the contralateral facet when unilateral, and/or the anomalous articulation when present. Although this association is still somewhat controversial, beyond dispute is the importance of identifying an LSTV in patients in whom a surgical or interventional procedure is planned. This is essential to avoid an intervention or surgery at an incorrect level. In this article, each of these issues will be addressed with attention to identifying and correctly numbering LSTVs as well as detecting imaging findings related to the genesis of low back pain. APanteroposteriorLSTVlumbosacral transitional vertebra