Bilateral Pedicle Fractures at Contiguous Segments in a Low Trauma Setting: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Nov 4;11(4). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00891.

Abstract

Case: A 74-year-old patient with a history of osteoporosis presented with a 2-month history of lower back pain after low-energy trauma. Imaging revealed bilateral subacute L4 and L5 pedicle fractures-the first reported case of this low-energy mechanism of bilateral contiguous-segment pedicle fractures.

Conclusion: Bilateral pedicle fractures have infrequently been reported in the literature. There have been a few reports of bilateral pedicle fractures because of isolated osteoporosis, and these have all been single level. The current report presents an unusual fragility fracture pattern that can be conservatively managed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fractures, Stress* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Low Back Pain* / etiology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries
  • Osteoporosis* / complications
  • Osteoporosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures* / complications
  • Spinal Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures* / surgery