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What Does Spina Bifida Defect Mean?

Posted on Tue, 20 May 2014

Question: I would like to know what is meant from an x-ray report that states " four distinct vertebra within a transitional vertebra"? My email is YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload the full X-ray report....

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Can you please upload the full X-ray report? I need to have a look at it myself, so, I can help you better!

Thank you!
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (31 minutes later)

The entire Radiologist report "Multiple views show slight levoscoliosis at the L2,L3. Four distinct vertebra are noted within an apparent transitional vertebra at the lumbrosacral region. This transitional vertebra presents a spina bifida defect. No evidence of fracture or subluxation is seen. The interspaces are preserved ane the sacroiliac joints are unremarkable. Impression: Transitional vertebra with spina bifida as described. Levoscoliosis consistant with muscular spasm".

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (41 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Congenital spine malformation is noted...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing the full X-ray report.

What I can see from the report that you have been diagnosed with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a congenital vertebral defect characterized by the incomplete closure of the spine.

All the other transformations seen at your spine are related to spina bifida changes (four distinct vertebra noted within transitional vertebra).

With regards to levoscoliosis, it is referring to a spinal curve to the left at the lumbar level. This left curving is causing muscular spasms, which might be associated with back pain.

Further evaluation by orthopedist and correlation with clinical symptoms is needed for further follow up.

Hope it helped! Please write me back if you have further queries!
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (9 hours later)

Does the four vertebrae within a transitional vertebra, mean that they are fused together? I do not understand how the spina bifida congenital condition can lead to the four transitional vertevrae.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Congenital abnormalities....

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Thank you for following up.

Please bare in mind that lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are
congenital anomalies of the lumbosacral region. This is a defect in the segmentation of the lumbosacral spine occurring during development.

At your case, the last Lumbar vertebra (L5) if fused completely to the sacrum. That's why only 4 lumbar vertebrae are seen (L1 to L4) instead of 5 in your X-ray report.

Both, transitional vertebrae and spina bifida are congenital abnormalities occurring simultaneously during intra-uterine development. They are both reported during your X-ray. In some other cases, LSTV or spina bifida might not be present at the same time.

This is not something worrisome, but will give problems like persistent low back pain. Regular follow ups with orthopedist is highly recommended to check for further spine changes.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj