Presentation
Back pain.
Patient Data
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L1 vertebral body decreased height more anteriorly (wedging) with compression fracture line below the superior endplate showing marrow edema, condensation and anterior step defect. No retropulsed bone fragments. Intact posterior elements.
L3-4 and L4-5 diffuse posterior disc bulges.
Reduced hydration signal of intervertebral discs.
Case Discussion
Features of acute vertebral compression fracture (spinal wedge fracture) involving L1 vertebral body. Edema along the fracture line reflects acute injury, so correlated with the recent back pain.
Signs of acute spinal compression fracture include edema, anterior step defect and line of condensation from trabecular impaction (see illustration rID-45540 and case rID-31608).