Atypical Lumbar Vertebra L5

Question 1

What is the appearance of the 5th lumbar vertebral body from the lateral view?

Answer 1

Anterior height is greater than posterior height by several millimeters;
It appears to form a wedge on a lateral X-ray view

Question 2

How many joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the 5th lumbar?

Answer 2

6

Question 3

How many synovial joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the 5th lumbar?

Answer 3

NONE

Question 4

How many cartilaginous symphysis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 4

2

Question 5

How many fibrous syndesmosis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 5

4

Question 6

What muscle attaches to the 5th lumbar vertebral body?

Answer 6

Psoas major

Question 7

What is the orientation of the 5th lumbar superior articular facet?

Answer 7

Backward, upward, medial (BUM)

Typically concave

Question 8

What is the orientation of the 5th lumbar inferior articular facet?

Answer 8

Forward, lateral, downward (FoLD)

Significant convexity

Question 9

What is the name given to the congenital condition in which the 5th lumbar spinous process is elongated, the sacrum exhibits spina bifida, and dorsiflexion produces pain?

Answer 9

Knife Clasp Syndrome

Question 10

What muscles will attach to the fift lumbar spinous process?

Answer 10

Latissimus dorsi 
Iliocostalis lumborum
Longissimus thoracis
Multifidis
Rotator longus
Rotator brevis
Interspinalis