FEATURES OF X-RAY ANATOMICAL ANALYSIS AND MECHANISMS OF EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT LUMBALIZATION OF THE FIRST SACRAL VERTEBRA

Abstract

Introduction: various variants and anomalies of the development of the lumbosacral spine that cause the vertebral vertebrae are often identified during diagnosis as random findings due to the availability and widespread use of modern imaging methods. The aim of the study was to perform an X-ray anatomical analysis of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra with the determination of its type according to the classification of transitional vertebrae according to A.E. Casellvi. Materials and methods: the material for the study was 24 radiographs of the lumbosacral spine of individuals of both sexes aged 27 to 69 years, performed in frontal and lateral projections. X-ray anatomical analysis was performed by fluoroscopic examination, the results were described in accordance with the classification of transitional vertebrae according to A.E. Cazellvi. Results: eight radiographs revealed the shadow of an additional vertebra in the lumbar spine, the height of which was reduced in 92.4 % of cases, and the spinous process was shortened in 87.6 % of cases. In 16 images, unilateral lumbarization was determined, and a unilateral visible tear in the upper sacrum was revealed. Conclusions: in the course of the study, an X-ray anatomical analysis of the transitional lumbosacral vertebra was performed with the determination of the type in accordance with the classification of the transitional vertebrae of Casellvi. In 33.4 % of cases, type I with complete lumbalization was detected, and in 66.6 % of cases, incomplete lumbalization was detected, characterized by various anatomical variants classified according to types II and III.