Skip to main content
Log in

Posterior lumbar apophyseal ring fractures: a report of 20 cases

  • Diagnostic Neuroradiology
  • Published:
Neuroradiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Posterior apophyseal ring fracture (PARF) of the lumbar spine is an uncommon injury thought usually to occur in adolescence. We analysed CT findings in 20 cases (19 patients), whose age ranged from 16 to 45 years (average 30 years). The PARF could be divided into two distinct groups on the basis of the shape and location of the fracture and the defect of the vertebral rim. In group 1 (2 cases), PARF involved the central aspect of the inferior vertebral rim and bone fragments were large and broad-based. In group 2, PARF were located at the posterolateral margin of the superior vertebral rim and bone fragments were small and focal. The great majority of previously reported cases belonged to our group 1. A pathogenesis for each group is suggested.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Meyenburg H von (1946) Über “Abtrennung” der hinteren Wirbelkörperkante als Ursache von Ischias. Radiol Clin (Basel) 15: 215–224

    Google Scholar 

  2. Lowrey JJ (1973) Dislocated lumbar vertebral epiphysis in adolescent children. Report of three cases. J Neurosurg 38: 232–235

    Google Scholar 

  3. Keller RH (1974) Traumatic displacement of the cartilaginous vertebral rim: a sign of intervertebral disc prolapse. Radiology 110: 21–23

    Google Scholar 

  4. Lippit AB (1976) Fracture of the vertebral body endplate and disk protrusion causing subarachnoid block in an adolescent. Clin Orthop 116: 112–114

    Google Scholar 

  5. Handel SF, Twiford TW Jr, Reigel DH, Kaufmann HH (1979) Posterior lumbar apophyseal fracture. Radiology 130: 629–633

    Google Scholar 

  6. Petterson H, Harwood-Nash DC, Fitz CR, Chuang S, Armstrong E (1981) The CT appearance of avulsion of the posterior vertebral apophysis. A case report. Neuroradiology 21: 145–147

    Google Scholar 

  7. Dake MD, Jacobs RP, Margolin FR (1985) Computed tomography of lumbar apophyseal ring fractures. J Comput Assist Tomogr 9: 730–732

    Google Scholar 

  8. Laredo JD, Bard M, Chretien J, Kahn MF (1986) Lumbar posterior marginal intra-osseous cartilaginous node. Skeletal Radiol 15: 201–208

    Google Scholar 

  9. Ehni G, Scheider SJ (1988) Posterior lumbar vertebral rim fracture and associated disc protrusion in adolescence. J Neurosurg 68: 912–916

    Google Scholar 

  10. Dietemann JL, Ringe M, Badoz A, et al (1988) Radiology of posterior lumbar apophyseal ring fractures: report of 13 cases. Neuroradiology 30: 337–344

    Google Scholar 

  11. Schmorl G, Junghanns H (1971) The human spine in health and disease. Grune and Stratton, New York

    Google Scholar 

  12. Bick EM, Copel JW (1951) The ring apophysis of the human vertebra. Contribution to human osteogeny. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 33: 783–787

    Google Scholar 

  13. Kricun ME (1988) Imaging modalities in spinal disorders. Saunders, Philadelphia pp 393, 549–552

    Google Scholar 

  14. Resnick D, Niwayama G (1989) Diagnosis of bone and joint disorders. 2nd edn. Saunders, Philadelphia, p 1530

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yang, T.K., Bahk, Y.W., Choi, K.H. et al. Posterior lumbar apophyseal ring fractures: a report of 20 cases. Neuroradiology 36, 453–455 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00593682

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00593682

Key words

Navigation