Home| Journals | Statistics Online Expert | About Us | Contact Us

[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked References]

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 6, Issue 3, March 2013 pp 122-124

Research Article

A Study of Non-Fusion of Laminae of First Sacral Vertebra in Western India

Dharati M Kubavat¹, Shaileshkumar K Nagar^2*, Chintan Lakhani³

{ ¹Associate Professor, ³Resident doctor} Department of Anatomy, M. P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, INDIA.

²Professor, Department of Anatomy, GMERS Medical College, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Background: The sacrum is a large, triangular fusion of five sacral vertebrae which forms the postero-superior wall of the pelvic cavity. Numerous anatomical variations of the bone have been reported. However, non-fusion of the laminae of the first sacral vertebra has never been reported in Gujarati population of Western India. These variations may be found in the patients of low back pain and neurological symptoms during radiological investigations or during epidural anaesthesia in labour and lower abdominal surgeries or on post mortem examination or even during dissection of human body and osteology class for medical students. Objective: The study was designed to know the prevalence of non-fusion of the laminae of the first sacral vertebra in Gujarati population of Western India .Considering the variation, we conduct this study as a prelude to any type of work for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in low back pain, spinal surgery and for interventional procedures like epidural anaesthesia and lumbar puncture. Materials and Methods: 302 intact dry human sacra of unknown sex were studied from the Department of Anatomy, B.J. Medical college Ahmedabad; Government Dental college, Ahmedabad; Medical college, Vadodara and Government Medical College, Surat in Gujarat. The specimens were carefully examined and non-fusion of the laminae of the first sacral vertebra if found was recorded. Results: We found 32(10.6%) out of 302 specimens of sacrum with non-fusion of the laminae of the first sacral vertebra. Conclusion: The present study shows that the incidence of sacrum with non-fusion of the laminae of first sacral vertebra in Gujarati population of Western India is 10.6%. Such a non-fusion may lead to clinical procedural failures. It is also important for the accurate diagnosis of patients with low back pain. It may be associated with spina bifida occulta or spina bifida cystica. The knowledge of this anatomical variation is of paramount importance to spinal surgeons, anaesthetists, radiologists, forensic experts, morphologists and clinical anatomists.