Presentation
Low back pain.
Patient Data
A limbus vertebra is noted incidentally in the antero-inferior corner of the third lumbar vertebra. It is well-corticated, triangular in shape and occupies the expected location of a normal vertebral body corner, with a smooth sclerotic subjacent corticated vertebral margin.
Case Discussion
Limbus vertebra is a well-corticated unfused secondary ossification center that occurs secondary to herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral body endplate beneath the ring apophysis.
A limbus vertebra of the anterosuperior corner of a single vertebral body in the mid lumbar spine is the most common presentation. The antero-inferior and posteroinferior corners are seen far less frequently. Occasionally it may be seen in the thoracic spine.
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