The aim of this study is to evaluate how accurately transitional vertebrae can be identified using routinely employed clinical imaging methods, including thoracolumbar direct radiography and lumbar MRI with axial and sagittal sequences. The study also seeks to determine how anatomical markers commonly used in the literature for vertebral level identification correspond to vertebral levels in the Turkish population, and whether a new potential relationship between these anatomical markers can be identified to improve accurate vertebral numbering. Additionally, the study will assess the relationship between thoracolumbar transitional vertebra (TLTV) and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) variations, and ultimately aims to provide new data to determine which imaging-based approach offers the highest diagnostic accuracy.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 75 years
* Presenting to the outpatient clinic with low back and leg pain
* Diagnosis of lumbar radicular pain based on history, physical examination, and lumbar MRI findings
* Willingness and ability to provide informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of spinal surgery
* Patients with incomplete or unavailable medical records within the hospital information system
Primary outcome measure(s)
Accuracy of Vertebral Level Identification Using Routine Lumbar MRI — At the time of imaging evaluation (baseline) Accuracy of vertebral level identification based solely on routine lumbar MRI sequences (axial and sagittal), compared with whole-spine sagittal localizer imaging (gold standard). Accuracy will be calculated as the proportion of correctly identified pathological disc levels.
How It Will Be Measured:
Correct level matching (Yes/No) Accuracy (%) = (Correct identifications / Total cases) × 100
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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