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. 2014 Dec;4(4):229-32.
doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1387808. Epub 2014 Sep 10.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and its prevalence in the Australian population

Heath D French  1 , Arjuna J Somasundaram  2 , Nathan R Schaefer  2 , Richard W Laherty  3
Affiliations

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and its prevalence in the Australian population

Heath D French et al. Global Spine J. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are a common congenital anomaly, and they can be accurately identified on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the lumbosacral spine. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of this congenital anomaly and to increase awareness among all clinicians to reduce the risk of surgical and procedural errors in patients with LSTV. Methods A retrospective review of 5,941 AP and lateral lumbar radiographs was performed. Transitional vertebrae were identified and categorized under the Castellvi classification. Results The prevalence of LSTV in the study population was 9.9%. Lumbarized S1 and sacralized L5 were seen in 5.8 and 4.1% of patients, respectively. Conclusion LSTV are a common normal variant and can be a factor in spinal surgery at incorrect levels. It is essential that all clinicians are aware of this common congenital anomaly.

Keywords: lumbarization; lumbosacral; sacralization; spinal surgery; transitional vertebrae.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures Heath D. French, none Arjuna J. Somasundaram, none Nathan R. Schaefer, none Richard W. Laherty, none

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Anteroposterior lumbar radiographs. Castellvi classification. (A) Type III lumbarized S1. (B) Type III sacralized L5. (C) Type II sacralized L5. (D) Type IV mixed.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Anteroposterior lumbar radiographs with diagrams overlaid to delineate the anatomy of the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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