What is lumbarization of the sacrum?

Sacralization is a common irregularity of the spine, where the fifth vertebra is fused to the sacrum bone at the bottom of the spine. The fifth lumbar vertebra, known as L5, may fuse fully or partially on either side of the sacrum, or on both sides. Sacralization is a congenital anomaly that occurs in the embryo.

What does partial lumbarization mean?

Lumbarization may present as partial (incomplete separation of S1-S2 bodies and their neural arches) or complete separation of the S1 from the S2 segment in a sacrum. Separation of S1 entails alteration of the anatomy at the lumbosacral junction that affects load bearing at the region.

Is lumbarization of S1 common?

Sacralization is more common in males, meanwhile accessory L5-S1 articulations and lumbarization of S1 are more common in women. Cases of families with increased incidence of LSTV suggest a genetic component.

How common is Lumbarization?

Lumbarisation of first sacral vertebra is seen with a very low incidence of 2%. Knowledge of presence of such vertebral variation will be helpful for the clinicians to diagnose and treat patients with low back pain.

Is Lumbarization hereditary?

Lumbarization and sacralization Lumbarization is an anomaly in the spine. While only around 10 percent of adults have a spinal abnormality due to genetics, a sixth lumbar vertebra is one of the more common abnormalities.

What happens if the sacrum does not fuse?

The “pseudo-joint.” When the L5 transverse process (or the backbone) touches the sacrum, it creates a “pseudo-joint” if not fully fused. Unlike regular joints, this joint does not have cartilage to cushion the impact of the bones touching each other. There is no joint fluid to lubricate and absorb shock.

What is a partially Lumbarized S1?

Partial lumbarisation can been seen with distinct disc space between the S1 and S2 or partial fusion between the bodies of S1 and S2 with no disc space between them. Lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra refers to the segmentation and incorporation of this vertebra into the lumbar spine.

What is S1 Lumbarization?

Lumbarization of the S1 vertebra is a condition in which the top most sacral vertebra, S1, is separate from the rest of the sacrum and instead forms a pseudoarthrosis with the lumbar spine. Essentially, these individuals have 6 lumbar vertebra instead of 5.

What are the symptoms of lumbarization of the spine?

Lumbarization of the spine can lead to certain clinical symptoms that can limit a patient’s movement and cause pain. What are the Clinical Symptoms? Typically, patients with lumbarization of the spine can experience pain during movement. This can cause a great deal of difficulty when performing activities of daily living.

Lumbarization is a condition in which the first segment of the sacrum fails to fuse with the second segment so that it appears to be part of the lumbar vertebrae. The human spine is composed of vertebrae namely, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and the coccyx at the lower end.

What are the symptoms of sacralization?

Sacralization often has no symptoms. It’s sometimes is associated with lower back pain or problems with posture and movement. It’s also called lumbosacral transitional vertebrae or LSTV. The extent and type of sacralization varies widely from individual to individual. Some people with sacralization have lower back pain.

How is lumbarization of the spine diagnosed and treated?

Typically, patients with lumbarization of the spine can experience pain during movement. This can cause a great deal of difficulty when performing activities of daily living. How is Lumbarization of the Spine Diagnosed? Lumbarization can be diagnosed through simple tests such as an X-ray of the spine.