L3 burst fracture with cauda equina compression

Case contributed by Roberto Schubert
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Vertebral fracture sustained in a fall 3 weeks ago. Newly developed cauda equina syndrome.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female

Progressive height loss of the fractured L3 vertebral body and narrowing of the spinal canal compared with a CT obtained at the time of the accident (see below).

CT obtained 3 wk earlier...

ct

CT obtained 3 wk earlier after the accident.

Incomplete burst fracture.

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