Part 2. Scientific paper:

Osseous Bridges between the Lumbar Transverse Processes

Wolfgang G.H. Schmitt-Buxbaum and Frans P.J. Billet

We would like to thank William R.Eyler, M.D. and Marnix van Holsbeeck, M.D. for their invaluable help.

Summary

Observations of 18 cases of osseous bridging of lumbar transverse processes are presented together with 59 other cases reviewed from the available literature. Observations of own cases are made in two different ways: through incidental findings and through systematic follow-up of known transverse process fractures. Aspects reviewed give a clear picture of age, side, form, size, bilaterality and clinical significance, as well as the role of CT in diagnostics, with special regard to 3D reconstructions. Not every question can be answered yet. We agree with Yoslof (42 ) that most, if not all the cases are traumatic in origin. Were the intervertebral junction blocked congenitally, the presence of disc degeneration and osteoarthric changes could not be explained. Osseous bridging of lumbar transverse process is clearly distinguishable from the common Sacralization of L5. There are remarkable similarities between cases of proven traumatic origin and cases of unknown origin. As well, there is a complete lack of cases observed in children.