Volume : 12, Issue : 11, November – 2025
Title:
SACRALIZATION OF LUMBAR VERTEBRAE: PREVALENCE ACCORDING TO CASTELLVI CLASSIFICATION
Authors :
Mr. Manoj Shashidhar Pattar
Abstract :
Background: The study aimed to assess variations in the lumbar transverse process and evaluate the types of Castellvi classification using Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities provide detailed visualization of both bone and soft tissues, assisting in identifying anatomical variants and guiding pre-operative planning to minimize complications.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at A.J. Hospital and Research Centre, Mangalore, from September 2023 to June 2024, involving 874 patients aged 20–80 years. CT scans were performed using a Siemens Somatom go. Top Dual Energy 128-slice scanner, and MRI scans with a MAGNETOM AVANTO 1.5T system. The L5 transverse processes were analysed for variations according to the Castellvi classification (Types I–IV and subtypes).
Results: Among 874 individuals (502 males and 372 females), 16.5% showed transverse sacralization of the lumbosacral vertebrae. Castellvi Type IIa was the most common variant (5.4%). Normal variants (Type I) accounted for 22.7%, with Type Ia most frequent (11.8%). Normal anatomy was observed in 60.8% of cases.
Conclusion: CT and MRI play a vital role in detecting anatomical variations of the lumbar transverse process and classifying them using Castellvi types. Recognizing these variants is essential for accurate vertebral level identification and surgical planning to reduce intraoperative complications.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Manoj Shashidhar Pattar et al., Sacralization Of Lumbar Vertebrae: Prevalence According To Castellvi Classification, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(11).
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