Sacralization of Fifth Lumbar Vertebra- A Case Report

During the osteology demonstration session for medical undergraduate students, we have observed a sacrum with sacralisation of fifth lumbar vertebra. The sacrum had six vertebrae with five pelvic sacral foramina. The body of fifth lumbar vertebra was completely fused with first sacral vertebra. The transverse process on the right side was broad and totally fused with ala of sacrum, whereas left side transverse process was not fused with ala. On the posterior aspect, the inferior articular facets of fifth lumbar vertebra were fused with superior articular facets of first sacral vertebra. From this observation, we conclude that, this is a unilateral sacralisation of fifth lumbar vertebra. Since sacralisation is strongly associated with low back pain, the present case is of high clinical value for medical personnel.