Butterfly vertebra
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Butterfly vertebrae result from the failure of fusion of the lateral halves of the vertebral body because of persistent notochondal tissue between them. Anterior spina bifida, with on without anterior meninogocele, may be associated with a butterfly vertebra.
Diagnosis
X-ray
- The involved vertebral body is widened, and the bodies above and below the butterfly vertebra adapt to the altered intervertebral discs on either side by showing concavities along the adjacent endplates.
- Some bone bridging may occur across the defect which is usually seen in the thoracic on lumbar segments of the spine.
