The Unilateral Hypoplastic Lumbar Pedicle

Abstract

Two cases are reported of unilateral hypoplastic lumbar pedicle. This represents an incomplete attempt at formation of a vertical cleft in the vertebral arch. The roentgen appearance of this anomaly includes the localized narrow constriction of the involved pedicle on the lateral projection and the contralateral hyperplasia of the opposite pedicle on the anteroposterior projection. On optimum roentgenograms and laminagrams, the intact cortical rim of the hypoplastic pedicle can be distinguished in both views. These features can be differentiated from a destructive lesion. The locations of other isolated complete clefts are briefly summarized.