Prevalence of congenital malformations of the lumbar spine in pre-occupational exams

Background: the vertebral column is a structure that develops over a short period of time, which makes it vulnerable to alterations in its morphology and vertebral conformation. Its embryological development occurs in early stages, between the fourth and sixth week approximately. These alterations can give rise to the appearance of congenital anomalies, which, if functionally viable in the neonatal/infantile period, can generate pain syndromes in working age, which increases the number of work absenteeism. Plain radiography is the most widely used diagnostic modality at the time of diagnosis of these congenital entities, as well as their clinical follow-up. The objective of this work is to know the prevalence of congenital malformations of the lumbar spine in a company that receives occupational medicine during 2021. Material and methods: front and profile lumbar spine radiographs were used, with a radiological report by a specialist, to patients who attended the company from January 2021 to December 2021. From this, the total number of patients evaluated was taken and prevalence statistics were performed congenital pathology of the lumbar spine. Results: Of the 855 patients studied, the presence of congenital lumbar malformation was found in 138, that is, 16,14 % of the total. Conclusion: Lumbar congenital malformation is a problem for the population of active working age. Given the high prevalence, it reinforces the need to carry out complete pre-occupational studies for primary health prevention in workers who may develop low back pain.