VI: Lumbar Region: Atypical Lumbar: L5

Question 1

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

Answer 1

six

Question 2

What joint classifications will be onbserved at the vertebral body of the fifth lumbar?

Answer 2

cartilaginous (ampiarthrosis) symphysis and fibrous (ampiarthrosis) syndesmosis

Question 3

What muscle(s) attach to the fifth lumbar vertebral body?

Answer 3

psoas major

Question 4

What characteristic of the L1-L4 pedicle may be used to differentiate it from the L5 segment? Be specific and complete as the difference(s) on a segment from each group.

Answer 4

On cranial view, the lateral surface of the pedicle is apparent on a L1-L4 segment. At L5 the transverse process originates from the vertebral body, pedicle and lamina-pedicle region.

Question 5

What muscles may attach to the transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra?

Answer 5

psoas major, quadratus lumborum, longissimus thoracis, rotator brevis, rotator longus and intertransversarii

Question 6

What ligaments traditionally attach to the transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra?

Answer 6

lumbosacral, iliolumbar and mammillo-accessory ligaments

Question 7

What is the name(s) of the condition in which the L5 spinous process increases in length due to the aging process?

Answer 7

Baastrup’s syndrome or “kissing spines”

Question 8

What is Knife Clasp syndrome?

Answer 8

the congenital condition in which the L5 spinous process is elongated, the sacrum exhibits spina bifida and dorsiflextion produces pain