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The transitional vertebra and sacroiliac joint dysfunction association

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether transitional vertebrae contribute to the development of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The prevalence of transitional vertebrae in patients with lumbar pain was determined during this process, and the prevalence of sacroiliac dysfunction was compared between patients with low back pain and healthy volunteers.

Methods

700 subjects, 500 with low back pain and 200 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Five tests were applied to all participants to determine sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Positivity in three tests was regarded as dysfunction. Lateral lumbosacral and Ferguson angle X-rays were taken from the group with low back pain. The patient was evaluated a specialist radiologist in terms of presence or absence of transitional vertebrae, and if identified, what type.

Results

Transitional vertebrae were determined in 26% (n = 130) of the patients with low back pain. Type 1a was determined in 20%, type 1b in 10%, type 2a in 26.9%, type 2b in 30.8%, type 3a in 0.8%, type 3b in 4.6% and type 4 in 6.9%. The prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in the low back pain group (15.4%) and the prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in cases of transitional vertebra (28.5%) were significantly higher compared to the control groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction must be considered when investigating the etiology of low back pain. Particular sensitivity must be exhibited on this subject in patients with transitional vertebrae.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, E5 Karayolu Uzeri. 34752, İçerenköy, Ataşehir, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ozge Gulsum Illeez, Arzu Atıcı, Feyza Unlu Ozkan & Ilknur Aktas

  2. Department of Radiology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Esra Bahadır Ulger

  3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Duygu Geler Kulcu

Authors
  1. Ozge Gulsum Illeez
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  2. Arzu Atıcı
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  3. Esra Bahadır Ulger
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Correspondence to Ozge Gulsum Illeez.

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Illeez, O.G., Atıcı, A., Ulger, E.B. et al. The transitional vertebra and sacroiliac joint dysfunction association. Eur Spine J 27, 187–193 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4879-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4879-4

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