Lumbar Spine Dysplasia, Causes and Treatments
Lumbar dysplasia or lumbar spine dysplasia (a term commonly known on the internet), is actually a condition called fibrous dysplasia.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
In this post, we will talk about fibrous dysplasia that develops in the lumbar spine, delving into a topic with little dissemination for the general public.
What is lumbar dysplasia?
Lumbar dysplasia is a rare bone tumor lesion that causes the uncontrolled growth of abnormal (nonmalignant) fibrous tissue in the spine. Fibrous dysplasia can appear both in the spine and in other parts of the body (facial bones, skull, ribs, femur, humerus, tibia, among others).
There are two forms of fibrous dysplasia: monostotic and polyostotic. Although monostotic dysplasia is the most common, it is polyostotic dysplasia that frequently manifests in the lumbar spine.
Fibrous dysplasia can appear at any age (children or adults) and accounts for about 7% of all bone tumors in the body. In most cases, the lesion is detected by chance due to its few symptoms; However, when lumbar spine dysplasia is in an advanced (severe) state, the person may perceive intense symptoms.
Causes of lumbar dysplasia
Fibrous dysplasia derives from a genetic mutation that occurs spontaneously during pregnancy, which means that the disease cannot be prevented. It is important to note that this condition is not inherited and cannot be transmitted by the patient to their descendants.
Symptoms of lumbar dysplasia
People with mild lumbar dysplasia are usually asymptomatic; However, as we are dealing with a disease that progressively weakens the bones, later on the patient may experience fractures and/or bone deformities.
Additionally, lumbar spine dysplasia can cause chronic low back pain caused by compression of the femoral nerve within the vertebral canal, which is a sensory and motor nerve of great relevance for the lower body.
Diagnostic process - What to do in the event of a symptom?
The diagnosis of lumbar spine dysplasia is based on a physical exam accompanied by imaging tests that may include: X-rays, CT scans, and/or MRIs to look at the fibrous tissue that affects the spine.
Treatment for lumbar spine dysplasia
Fibrous dysplasia still does not have a definitive cure, so most cases are treated conservatively with periodic follow-ups, a schedule of medications to alleviate pain and physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and range of motion. The use of radiotherapy is contraindicated for fibrous dysplasia, as it significantly increases the risk of malignant cell transformation occurring; which is why it should be avoided.
Prevention of lumbar dysplasia
As we have mentioned, fibrous dysplasia occurs due to a strange genetic mutation during pregnancy, therefore, there is nothing that parents can do to prevent the development of it in the future. This type of lesion cannot be detected in prenatal ultrasounds, because its growth occurs mostly throughout childhood or preadolescence.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Contact me
I invite you to schedule a medical appointment with me; In this way, I will be able to carefully evaluate your condition and offer you the best treatment or surgery alternatives to eradicate back pain and recover your general well-being.
