Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are common congenital anomalies of the human spine. In LSTV, either the fifth lumbar vertebra may show assimilation to the sacrum (sacralisation), or the first sacral vertebra may show transition to a lumbar configuration (lumbarisation). Although the condition has an incidence of over 12% in the general population, knowledge about the exact clinical implications is still lacking. The association between LSTV and low back pain has been debated since it was first described by Bertolotti almost a century ago. Furthermore, several conflicting studies have been published regarding the association of LSTV with other spinal pathology. There seems to be a relation with early disc degeneration above the LSTV in young patients. However, these differences fade with age as they are masked by other degenerative changes of the spine. From a practical view-point, failure to recognise and to number LSTV during spinal surgery may have serious consequences.
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Full-Endoscopic J-Shaped Transforaminal L5 Nerve Decompression in Bertolotti Syndrome.
Neurospine
December 2024
Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
This case report and video demonstrate the technique of full-endoscopic J-shaped transforaminal L5 exiting nerve decompression in Bertolotti syndrome. Bertolotti syndrome, characterized by a congenital lumbosacral transitional vertebra, often results in mechanical lower back pain and nerve root compression. A 69-year-old male presented with progressive radiating pain in the right leg and tingling in the L5 dermatome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn update on the prevalence and management of Bertolotti's syndrome.
Front Surg
December 2024
Cantor Spine Center at the Paley Institute, West Palm Beach, FL, United States.
Bertolotti's Syndrome, a subset of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), is one cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), and a commonly overlooked differential diagnosis. The incidence of Bertolotti's Syndrome has been underestimated in the past and is common in those of younger ages around 30-40. Although diagnostics, imaging methods, and treatment algorithms have been improved in the past few years, there is no gold standard and more long-term, prospective research is needed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLumbosacral transitional vertebrae in small-breed dogs: Prevalence, classification, and characteristics.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound
January 2025
Section of Veterinary Medical Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.
The lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is an abnormally formed vertebra that can be associated with cauda equina syndrome, lumbosacral (LS) degeneration, and pelvic rotation. However, there is little information on LTV in small-breed dogs, and no studies have investigated the association between LTV and LS diseases or degenerative changes in the coxofemoral joints. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of LTV in small-breed dogs (<10 kg), classify the type of LTV, and identify its association with degenerative changes in the LS and coxofemoral joints using CT images.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOral pharmacological management of Bertolotti syndrome presenting as chronic low back pain - A case report and review of literature.
J Orthop
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School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 7BH, United Kingdom.
Article Synopsis
- Bertolotti syndrome (BS) is a condition often overlooked in young people with chronic lower back pain, linked to unusual lumbosacral vertebrae.
- A case study of a 19-year-old woman showed BS was diagnosed after imaging confirmed fusion of a vertebra, leading to significant pain and movement restrictions.
- The patient opted for conservative treatment with medication and exercise, resulting in a full recovery at the six-month follow-up, highlighting the need for better awareness of BS in chronic pain assessments.
The Implications of Sacralized Transitional Vertebra on Spinal Alignment.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976)
October 2024
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.
Study Design: Retrospective study of a multicentric prospective database.
Objective: This study aimed to determine, in a cohort of healthy volunteers, the impact of sacralized lumbo-sacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) on spinal alignment according to its grade, particularly regarding lumbar lordosis magnitude and distribution, and the implications for spinopelvic parameters measurement.
Summary Of Background Data: There is little data regarding spinopelvic alignment assessment in LSTV patients.
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