Bertolotti's Syndrome: Understanding the Functional Limitations of a Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae (LSTV)
Poster #: 177
Session/Time: B
Author:
Andrea Muffly Oliver, MS
Mentor:
Patricia Laverdue OTD
Research Type: Clinical Research
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Bertolotti's Syndrome (BSy) occurs in 4-8% of the general population, however many specialists believe that this condition is vastly underdiagnosed (Miller & Zhang, 2023). Bertolotti's Syndrome (BSy) is a congenital disorder which leads to back pain caused by the presence of a lumbosacral vertebrae (LSTV) (Miller & Zhang, 2023).
METHODS:
A concurrent multi-method survey was completed using Qualtrics software, 113 individuals with BSy completed the survey. Data analysis performed using SPSS and Excel for quantitative data. Qualitative analysis followed Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) using multi-phased thematic analysis and deductive coding, consensus coding to finalize the thematic framework, and an external reviewer to confirm final findings.
RESULTS:
Individuals with BSy reported disruption in ADLs, IADLs, due to symptoms. Symptoms of pain, fatigue, mobility constraints, and decreased endurance were reported fluctuate throughout the day but at no point be zero, suggesting significant disruption of participation in meaningful occupations.
CONCLUSION:
Patients with BSy present with pain, fatigue, decreased endurance, and limited mobility that impact function and participation. Increased education, advocacy and research for this condition is needed. When patients described their experience(s) with healthcare providers 86% of participants surveyed reported interacting with non-knowledgeable providers.
Bertolotti's Syndrome (BSy) occurs in 4-8% of the general population, however many specialists believe that this condition is vastly underdiagnosed (Miller & Zhang, 2023). Bertolotti's Syndrome (BSy) is a congenital disorder which leads to back pain caused by the presence of a lumbosacral vertebrae (LSTV) (Miller & Zhang, 2023).
METHODS:
A concurrent multi-method survey was completed using Qualtrics software, 113 individuals with BSy completed the survey. Data analysis performed using SPSS and Excel for quantitative data. Qualitative analysis followed Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) using multi-phased thematic analysis and deductive coding, consensus coding to finalize the thematic framework, and an external reviewer to confirm final findings.
RESULTS:
Individuals with BSy reported disruption in ADLs, IADLs, due to symptoms. Symptoms of pain, fatigue, mobility constraints, and decreased endurance were reported fluctuate throughout the day but at no point be zero, suggesting significant disruption of participation in meaningful occupations.
CONCLUSION:
Patients with BSy present with pain, fatigue, decreased endurance, and limited mobility that impact function and participation. Increased education, advocacy and research for this condition is needed. When patients described their experience(s) with healthcare providers 86% of participants surveyed reported interacting with non-knowledgeable providers.