Burst lumbar fracture

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Motor vehicle accident.

Patient Data

Age: Adult
x-ray

Loss of L1 vertebral body height, particularly anteriorly, focal kyphosis, retropulsion of the posterior vertebral body margin and widening of the pedicle spacing on the AP image consistent with a burst type fracture. 

mri

MRI confirms x-ray findings and also shows a ligamentum flavum tear on the left on the axial image. 

Case Discussion

L1 burst fracture. Note the focal kyphosis and retropulsion of the posterior vertebral body margin on the lateral image, and the widening of the pedicle spacing on the AP image. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.