Bertolottis Syndrome: A cross sectional study to find out its prevalence in patients with low back pain and low bone mineral density

Abstract

Background: Lower back ache is emerging as a major symptom among elderly, middle aged and adolescents. Lumbar sacral transitional vertebraes are congenital spinal anomalies defined as either sacralisation of the lowest lumbar segment or lumbaralisation of most superior sacral segment of spine. Variation in 5th lumbar vertebra having a spatulated transverse process on one side resulting in pseudoarticulation with sacrum or ileum including change in biochemical properties is known as Bertolottis Syndrome. Bertolottis syndrome affects 4% to 8% of the population. Methods: A Cross Sectional study was carried out in 1000 Indian patients (419 males and 581 females) with T-score below -1 from July 2012 to June 2015 using Plain X-Ray film antero-posterior view of lumbar-sacral spine. Results: On assessment, 62 patients (i.e. 6.2 %) were found suffering with Bertolottis Syndrome including 24 males (i.e. 5.7%) and 38 females (i.e. 6.5 %). Prevalence of Bertolottis Syndrome was found more in 55-65yrs age patients and females are found to be more affected than males. Conclusion: Our study showed prevalence (6.2%) of Bertolotti syndrome in patients with low back pain with low bone mineral density is quite significant in Indian population and awareness about Bertolottis Syndrome and early detection may prove to be helpful in choosing or avoiding certain professions or jobs.