Unilateral biportal endoscopic spinal surgery for the treatment of Bertolotti syndrome in an adolescent, a case report - Report - MDSpire

Endoscopic Unilateral Biportal Spinal Surgery for Adolescent Bertolotti Syndrome: A Case Study

  • By

  • Lingfeng Ren

  • Tianhua Qiao

  • Yan Zhang

  • Yong Wang

  • Xin Zhang

  • July 21, 2026

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Clinical Report: Endoscopic Unilateral Biportal Spinal Surgery for Adolescent Bertolotti Syndrome

Background

Bertolotti syndrome (BS) is associated with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and can lead to significant back pain and radiculopathy. This case highlights the use of endoscopic techniques in managing BS.

Data Highlights

MeasurementPreoperativePostoperative
VAS Back Pain Score82
Leg Pain Score81

Key Findings

  • The patient was a 17-year-old girl with persistent lower back pain and radicular symptoms.
  • Preoperative imaging confirmed a type Castellvi IIa LSTV and left side L5/S1 pseudoarthrosis.
  • Endoscopic decompression surgery was performed using the UBE technique, resulting in nerve root decompression.
  • Postoperative pain scores improved significantly, with symptom resolution at 3-month follow-up.

Clinical Implications

Further studies are needed to establish standardized protocols for treatment in this population.

Conclusion

Endoscopic decompression via UBE was performed in an adolescent with Bertolotti syndrome after conservative measures.

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  9. Bertolotti Syndrome in the Pediatric Population: A Literature Review and Management Algorithm - PMC
  10. https://www.jmisst.org/upload/pdf/jmisst-2024-01242.pdf
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