[Significance of malformations and variations in the lumbosacral spine for the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk diseases].

Clinical data and x-ray findings of 1000 patients with back pain have been analysed. The authors found evidence that malformations and particularly development variations of the lumbosacral vertebral column may play a role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk degenerations. The discopathies become clinically manifest as a consequence of development faults at a younger age und in a larger number than in those with normal development of the spine. The clinical importance of the transitional vertebra is discussed.