Evaluation and identification of lumbosacral transitional vertebra causing intractable low back pain utilizing bone single-photon emission tomography with computed tomography

The cause of low back pain due to lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) still remains a debated topic. Functional imaging with bone scintigraphy has been a valuable adjunct in its assessment; however, in recent years, the additional utility of single-photon emission tomography with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is evolving as the imaging modality of choice in identifying range of complex lower back pain sources, leading to the provision of suitable treatment options. We present a case demonstrating a variant type of LSTV as a source of pain localized and delineated on hybrid SPECT/CT imaging treated by minimally invasive microendoscopic resection of the pseudoarticulations.

Keywords

Low back pain - lumbosacral transitional vertebra - single-photon emission tomography with computed tomography