What is transverse process hypertrophy syndrome of the fifth lumbar vertebra?

The fifth lumbar vertebra is partially transformed into the shape of a ship vertebra, and one or both of its transverse processes are enlarged in the shape of a wing and can form a pseudo joint with the skeleton bone. A series of symptoms arising from traumatic arthritis of the joint and irritation to the peripheral nerves is known as fifth lumbar vertebra transverse process hypertrophy syndrome. If the transverse processes of the fifth lumbar vertebra are asymmetrical, the side that is not fused, or is less fused, is susceptible to injury due to the amount of activity and the ingestion of the surrounding soft tissues. For the pseudo joint formed by the hypertrophied transverse process and the knurled bone, it is difficult to absorb the shock caused by the external force because it is a young vertebral joint and is prone to injurious arthritis. The dorsal branch of the spinal nerve that runs near the transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra may be compressed by the hypertrophied transverse process or irritated by the peripheral nerve branches, resulting in sciatica as a reflex. Hypertrophic deformity of the transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra is very common, but it is rare to cause persistent low back pain. Therefore, it is important to distinguish it from other diseases such as lumbar spinal stenosis, interspinous ligamentitis, and lumbar disc herniation. The fifth lumbar transverse process hypertrophy syndrome is mainly treated with non-surgical treatment. What should be emphasized is to strengthen the lumbar protection and lumbar back muscle exercise. Localized closure is also available for pressure points. Surgery can be considered if the formal non-surgical treatment of fifth lumbar transverse process hypertrophy syndrome is ineffective, the diagnosis is clear, and the pain affects the living and working. Surgery involves removing a section of the enlarged transverse process to relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues, especially the nerves in front of the transverse process, thus relieving the symptoms of pain.