Intraoperative Navigation-Guided Resection of Anomalous Transverse Processes in Patients with Bertolotti's Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: We successfully performed the surgical resection of lumbosacral pseudoarticulation using intraoperative computed tomography-based navigation system in 2 cases with Bertolotti's syndrome.

Case Report: Case 1 was 15-year-old girl. After pseudoarthrectomy, the VAS score of low back pain improved from VAS 90 to 30 mm. Case 2 was 21-year-old woman, who had a persistent low back pain (VAS 40 mm) even after the microscopic pseudoarthrectomy probably due to incomplete pseudoarthrectomy. We performed navigation-assisted resection of the remaining anomalous transverse process in the second surgery, and her symptom improved (VAS 40 to 20 mm).

Conclusions: The resection of anomalous transverse processes is sometimes difficult because of the anomalous feature and poor visibility. Navigation-guided approach facilitated complete resection.