Bertolotti's syndrome as an uncommon cause of LBP; a case series

Abstract

Lumbosacral transition of L5 vertebra is an anatomical variation. The transverse process of L5 vertebra may become enlarged and form a pseudo joint with ilium or sacrum, leading to low back pain, especially in young adults due to change in biomechanical properties of the lumber spine. This condition is referred to as Bertolotti’s syndrome. Here we report an ongoing case series of 11 of our patients in whom we studied the impact of steroid and local anesthetic infiltration as a treatment approach.

The primary objective of this case series is to comprehensively investigate and report the clinical characteristics, radiological findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes in a group of 11 patients diagnosed with Bertolotti's syndrome, thus adding to the existing body of knowledge about Bertolotti's syndrome by focusing on its occurrence and management in younger individuals, which is relatively less explored in the literature.

Abbreviations: VAS - Visual Analogue Scale; FABER - Flexion Abduction External rotation; SLR - Straight Leg Raising

Keywords: Bertolotti's Syndrome, Low back pain, Lumbosacral transition

Citation: Ali L, Abbas MA, Hanif H, Nasir S, Ali U. Bertolotti's syndrome as an uncommon cause of LBP; a case series. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(6):593−599; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i3.2484

Received: January 28, 2024; Reviewed: March 19, 2024; Accepted: April 03, 2024