GOK was the description given to one of the xrays we studied in Dx Imaging today. I'd have to say it's a pretty rare condition. Our vertebral column is a bunch of vertebra which are supposed to be stacked one on top of each other to form a column - but this condition we studied had one of the vertebrae behind the regular column of vertebrae down along the lumbar region which produced an asymptomatic lump, i.e., the bone stuck out but it didn't cause any problems.
Dr. Kuhn, our Dx Imaging teacher came across an adult patient like that but there were no practical issues related to the condition. The man was healthy, held a job, was educated and enjoyed bowling.
We contrast this with one other time Dr. Kuhn ran across this condition which was from another doctor he met at a radiologic conference Dr. Kuhn was speaking at in Fargo, North Dakota. The other patient who had an identical condition was less than two years old.
Unfortunately for the young patient the doctors decided to perform surgery to fuse the vertebrae together. That was back in the 70s. That patient was never able to complete a year of school without taking time off, they've never been able to hold a job and they've never enjoyed bowling or any other such leisurely activities.
I'm guessing it's unlikely many of us will ever run into that issue but based on what we've learned about those two cases it's pretty clear that a wait and see approach is probably best and I have to figure the main reason we saw those xrays today was on the chance that one of us will come across a similar anomaly so that we don't contribute to royally screwing up someones life and can give some sage and poignant advice.
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