Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: incidence in a consecutive patient series.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Delport
Elva G
EG
Christiana Spine Center, Newark, Delaware, USA.
Cucuzzella
Tony R
TR
Kim
Nancy
N
Marley
Julie
J
Pruitt
Christine
C
Delport
Anton G
AG
D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012447:Sacrum / Q000473:pathology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology