Presentation
Low back pain of 3 months of evolution
Patient Data
As an anatomical variation, the presence of 6 lumbar vertebral bodies is identified.
Decrease of signal and height L4-L5 y L5-L6
Disc bulge of L4-L5 that contacts and minimally deforms the spinal cord
Disc bulge of L5-L6 that compresses the dural sac and contacts the spinal cord at that level. Compressive effect also on the left L6 transient root.
The right hip is 6 mm above the level of the contralateral hip.
Dysplastic sequelae in both acetabulum with increased obliquity of the horizontal portion of both acetabulum and
less acetabular coverage in both femoral heads.
As an anatomical variation, the presence of 6 lumbar vertebral bodies is identified.
Minimal dorsal curvature with right convexity of 11° (T3-T12) and thoracolumbar curvature with left convexity of 10° (T12-L3).
Case Discussion
It's easy to go wrong and misnumber the vertebrae on an MRI. This patient also had a total spine study that allowed orientation.
Note the costo-vertebral articulation of T12 visible mainly in sagittal view.
Numbering errors can later affect spinal surgeries.