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Spine
intermediate
X-Type

Bertolotti's Syndrome MCQ

bertolottis-syndrome

A 28-year-old woman presents with chronic unilateral low back pain radiating to the left buttock and posterolateral thigh. The pain began insidiously 2 years ago without trauma. It is worse with prolonged standing and rotation. Physical examination reveals tenderness over the left lumbosacral junction with a positive Patrick's test on the left. Neurological examination is normal. AP pelvis radiograph shows an elongated left L5 transverse process articulating with the sacral ala. Regarding this condition:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

This represents Bertolotti's syndrome, a symptomatic lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV); the C...

B

LSTV prevalence is 4-30% in the general population; symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome is much less c...

C

LSTV always causes low back pain and requires treatment when identified; the presence of an elongate...

D

Pain generators in Bertolotti's syndrome include the pseudoarthrosis itself, the contralateral facet...

E

Correct vertebral numbering is essential before any spine surgery in patients with LSTV; the segment...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option