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Demographics:
32 years old, Male
Indication:
Trauma
Findings
- Well-corticated triangular osseous fragment along the superior and anterior aspect of the L4 vertebral body, with surrounding osseous sclerosis. Findings are consistent with a benign limbus vertebra. No surrounding paravertebral stranding. No evidence of acute fracture.
Diagnosis
Limbus Vertebra
Discussion
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The result of herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral body endplate.
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Most common appearence is a well-corticated bony fragment involving the anterosuperior vertebral body. Anteroinferior or posterior vertebral body involvement is much less common.
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Most common in the mid-lumbar spine, but can also be seen in the mid-cervical spine.
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Commonly misdiagnosed as an acute fracture. Look for secondary signs of acute trauma (such as paravertebral stranding) to suggest acute fracture.
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Annotated Images & Illustrations
limbus