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A member asked:
I am missing my l5 vertebrae, is it necessary to have back surgery?
3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Ur parents should: B asking this. But 4 Ur information, there R usually the same # of vertebrae, so U may have an extra thoracic or cervical 1. If U R having lots of low back pain, ask Ur parents 2 make an appointment with a spinal surgeon.
Answered 9/7/2014
3.7k views
Unlikely: There is a lot of variation. If not unstable, or symptomatic it is likely to just be an anomaly. Your physician will do good documentation and complete X-rays. There can be other congenital anomalies of spine or other that should be clarified.
Answered 9/14/2014
3.7k views
No: A "missing" L5 vertebrae usually refers to a sacralized L5 segment, which is not really missing at all. In and of itself, nothing needs to be done about that radiologic finding.
Answered 5/15/2017
695 views
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