Block vertebra

Last revised by Mostafa El-Feky on 20 Nov 2022

Block vertebra is a type of vertebral anomaly where there is a failure of separation of two or more adjacent vertebral bodies. It is an anatomic variant.

Pathology

In a block vertebra, there is partial or complete fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies.

Associations

Radiographic features

  • combined vertebrae may be of normal height, short, or tall
  • disc space is frequently rudimentary or absent
  • the "wasp-waist sign" may be seen in congenital block vertebrae 4

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Cases and figures

  • Case 1
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 2
    Drag here to reorder.
  •  Case 3
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 4: with spinal cord malformation
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 5: at C2-C3 level
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 6
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 7
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 8
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 9: situs ambiguus and sacral agenesis
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 10
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 11: C2/3
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 12: L2,L3,L4
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 13: thoracic
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Case 14
    Drag here to reorder.
  • Updating… Please wait.

     Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

     Thank you for updating your details.