[Posterior laceration of the abdominal aorta on vertebral fracture]

Abdominal aortic lacerations are very rare in closed trauma and are usually caused by high energy trauma. Aortic injuries should be assessed as a priority as they present an immediate life-threatening risk in the event of major haemorrhage. However, the clinical presentations are highly variable and often misleading. We -present a case of traumatic blunt abdominal aortic laceration following a fall down the stairs. The laceration involved the posterior part of the abdominal aorta secondary to a lumbar fracture with L1-L2 disc tear.