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Limbus lumbar and sacral vertebral fractures
Jorge S Mendez1, Isidro L Huete, Patricio M Tagle
1Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic University, Chile, Marcoleta 367, Santiago, Chile. jmendez@med.puc.cl
Neurological Research
|March 7, 2002
Summary
Fractures of the vertebral limbus causing disc impingement are often underdiagnosed. CT scans are crucial for diagnosis, leading to effective surgical decompression and good patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Vertebral limbus fractures with disc impingement are an underdiagnosed cause of low back pain.
- Symptoms include lumbalgia, radicular pain, and spinal stenosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fractures of the lumbar and sacral vertebral limbus.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and effective treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 23 adult patients with vertebral limbus fractures.
- Analysis of diagnostic imaging, including CT, plain roentgenograms, and MRI.
- Review of surgical interventions and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 16 of 23 patients had trauma-associated fractures.
- CT scans were diagnostic, while plain roentgenograms and MRI were often negative.
- Surgical resection of fragments and disc material led to good outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Vertebral limbus fractures require accurate diagnosis, primarily via CT.
- Surgical decompression is effective for relieving symptoms and improving outcomes.