PMC6350026_01
First lumbar MRI scans showing lumbar canal stenosis without pedicle fracture. (A) T2-weighted image (sagittal view). (B and C) T1-weighted images (sagittal view). B = right side, C = left side. The 2nd lumbar MRI scans shows bilateral pedicle fracture at L4. (D and E) T1-weighted images (sagittal view). D = right side, E = left side. (F) T1-weighted image (axial view at L4).
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F1
LBP. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) at L4/L5 (Fig. 1). A second lumbar MRI study (Fig. 1) demonstrated hypointensity at the L4 pedicle; it had not been recognized on the earlier MRI scan.
First lumbar CT scans at the level of L4 showing bilateral pedicle fracture. (A) Axial view. (B) Sagittal view (right side). (C) Sagittal view (left side). Lumbar CT scans obtained 4 months later showing fracture healing at L4. (D) Axial view. (E) Sagittal view (right side). (F) Sgittal view (left side).
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F2
Because her symptoms persisted despite slight improvement, we performed lumbar computed tomography (CT) 3 months after the first MRI study for surgical planning (Fig. 2).