Bertolotti syndrome

Case contributed by Jeevan K Karuppannan
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

History of chronic back pain with no lower limb weakness.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
x-ray
Frontal
Lateral
Oblique
Oblique
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Info

There is an enlargement of the bilateral L5 transverse processes. The left transverse process appears to be pseudo-articulating with the sacrum. Spina bifida occulta is noted at the L5 level.

Case Discussion

It is important to consider a wide range of possible causes in young patients presenting with chronic back pain.

A lumbosacral radiograph is often sufficient to identify the cause of the pain, such as congenital spina bifida occulta in this case.

Bertolotti syndrome often manifests as chronic back pain due to transitional lumbosacral vertebrae 1.

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