Burst fracture

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain
x-ray

Single lateral view of the thoracolumbar junction demonstrates a burst fracture of what appears to be L1. 

ct

CT confirms the presence of a burst fracture with retropulsion of the upper half of the vertebra and significant loss of height particularly anteriorly. 

mri

Burst fracture with retropulsed fragment, which narrows the central canal. No abnormal spinal cord signal. 

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