Sacralit.Ation

Sacralization (Sacralit.Ation) is an abnormal fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra with the sacrum. This is a congenital malformation in which there is partial or complete fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) with the sacrum.

The cause of sacralization is a violation of the segmentation and formation of vertebrae in the embryonic period. Normally, the fifth lumbar vertebra is separated from the sacrum and remains mobile. With sacralization, this does not happen, and L5 merges with the sacrum, losing its mobility.

Sacralization can be one- or two-sided. With unilateral sacralization, fusion occurs only on one side of the sacrum. When bilateral, the fifth lumbar vertebra is completely integrated into the sacrum.

Clinical manifestations of sacralization vary from the complete absence of symptoms to severe lumbosacral pain syndrome. Sacralization is often diagnosed accidentally during radiography. If symptoms are present, conservative or surgical treatment is performed.

Thus, sacralization is a common developmental anomaly of the spine, which can lead to pain and dysfunction of the lumbosacral region. Timely diagnosis and treatment can achieve good results.