partial sacralization of the L5 vertabra

[ramadlyn]

i had a mri done, and these were the results, i am in physio, he diagnosed me(with out looking at the results) saying it is my L1 L2 , i feel that maybe he was rushing to much, he really didn't answer my questions

This is the result: partial sacralization of the L5 vertabra with pseudoarticulation between the left L5 transverse process and left sacral ala

so i am not sure what the that is, but my knees hurt and my right hip joint feels like it is ripping if i sit cross leged and then try to get up!

Please help me understand what this is, i want to be diagnosed right, and then make sure i am getting the right treatment

Christina

[jcase16]

What was the results of this second shot and anything else you have been doing?  My wife is in a similar circumstance and we'd love to know the end of the story.

[Lefty67]

Update on the injection and change in surgical outlook. The injection to the pseudoarticulation was a major success! Three weeks plus of being almost completely pain free! Called the doc's office to see about a prescription for muscle relaxers now that the injection is wearing off. Doc called me himself to find out how the injection worked. When I described the success of it, we decided on a second one to verify the results. If we have the same results (I am optimistic on that) then we will talk to a surgeon about having the excess bone removed from that vertebra. The success even changed doc's mind about doing the surgery. I am finally seeing a potential end to the pain and limitations! I will keep posting regarding the progress of things with this.

To all that have this same problem, keep on the docs. I have run the gamut on treatments for this from physical therapy, medications, posture changes, lumbar support (made things worse), and even had one doc recommend changes in my diet.

None of them looked for the true source of the problem and even had one tell me  that the transitional vertebra was a normal thing and shouldn't be the source of my pain. A transitional vertebra in and of itself generally won't cause the problems I and others suffer, but a transitional vertebra with a pseudoarticulation can, and in my case does cause pain and problems.

[Lefty67]

I have been dealing with similar symptoms for over 4 years and have a similar anomaly on the right side with partial sacralization. It took me 4 years, but I have finally found a doctor that is taking this anomaly seriously. I have done physical therapy, pain meds, etc with no major improvements. I will be having a diagnostic injection done in about a week to confirm my and my doctor's theory. Unfortunately, the surgical option of having the excess bone removed only has so-so results, so I will probably not be going that route.

The things that I have found to help are avoiding squatting, kneeling, and bending along with sitting cross legged. Give your back as much rest as you can as soon as you start feeling the pain beginning. Having spent 4 years dealing with this, I have figured out how to minimize my pain so that I do not need pain meds majority of the time. I have had to cut a lot of activities that I enjoy, but since I do not want to live on pain meds, I deal with it. Core strengthening would probably be a good idea as well, since that helps keep the body in better alignment.

Be sure to push the doctors and ask them about this anomaly with that vertebra. Get a referral to a spine specialist. Don't take no for an answer.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The MRI report does not tell anything about L1 & L2.

There are changes in L5 vertebra which would require lifestyle changes from your part and also proper physiotherapy. This is the reason for your hip and knee problem in your legs.

Follow proper ergonomics in day to day life: proper position while sitting, sleeping, proper chair, proper bed, proper shoes etc.

Maintain proper body weight, normal BMI and exercise regularly.

Follow up near an orthopedician and take a second opinion if you have any doubt with the present physician.

Take care!