Presentation
Low back pain for 10 days after fall from three meters height.
Patient Data
A smooth well-corticated bone fragment is seen in relation to the left inferior articular process of 1st lumbar vertebra which is likely an accessory ossicle (Oppenheimer ossicle). Alignment of the lumbar spine is intact. No fracture or dislocation is seen. No significant paravertebral soft tissue abnormality is seen.
Oppenheimer's ossicle (open red arrows).
Case Discussion
Oppenheimer ossicle is an accessory ossicle, seen commonly along the inferior articular process of the lumbar spine. It is usually asymptomatic and found as an incidental finding. It should not be confused with the pars interarticularis fracture.
Case courtesy of Dr. Ahmed Eid.