Acronym

L5 - Lumbar vertebra 5

Lumbar vertebra 5

Fifth and lowermost lumbar vertebra; largest lumbar body

Expansion

Lumbar vertebra 5

Purpose

L5 to S1 most common disc herniation level

Clinical Context

Lumbar vertebra 5: largest lumbar body. L5 to S1 disc most common herniation location. Spondylolisthesis (L5 forward on S1) common degenerative finding.

  • S1
  • L4 to L5

Key Points

  • L5 to S1 most common herniation level; L4 to L5 second most common