Sacralisation of fifth lumbar vertebra: A case report.

Sacrum is a large triangular bone formed by fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It lies obliquely at upper and posterior part of pelvic cavity between two hipbones. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is common congenital anomaly of lumbosacral region which includes sacralisation & lumbarisation. Sacralisation is a congenital condition in which usually the fifth lumbar vertebra fuses completely or partially with sacrum. One sacrum with partial fusion of lumbar (L5) vertebra was observed in Department of Anatomy, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. There was complete fusion of left sided transverse process of fifth lumbar vertebra with ala of sacrum. The knowledge of sacralisation helps to understand the possible complications such as low back pain, spinal or radicular pain due to pressure on spinal nerve. Knowledge of sacralisation is very important for orthopedician& neurosurgeon to avoid surgery at incorrect level and for anaesthetist during administration of epidural, subdural and caudal anaesthesia.