J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2012 Jun;51(6):388-390. 10.3340/jkns.2012.51.6.388.

Spondylolisthesis Accompanying Bilateral Pedicle Stress Fracture at Two Vertebrae

• Kim HS
• Kim SW
• Lee WT

• KMID: 2190498
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2012.51.6.388

Abstract

There has been no report of bilateral pedicle stress fractures involving two vertebrae. The authors describe a unique case of spondylolisthesis accompanying a bilateral pedicle stress fracture involving two vertebrae. De novo development of spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 vertebrae accompanying a bilateral pedicle stress fracture at L4 and L5 was observed in a 70-year-old woman. The patient's medical history was unremarkable and she did not have any predisposing factors except severe osteoporosis. Interbody fusion with bone cement augmented screw fixation was performed. Surgical treatment resulted in good pain management and improved functional recovery.

Keyword

Spondylolisthesis; Bilateral pedicle fracture; Osteoporosis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Fractures, Stress
Humans
Osteoporosis
Pain Management
Spine
Spondylolisthesis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Dynamic radiographs show spondylolisthesis at L5 on S1.

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  Fig. 2 A and B : Axial computed tomographic scan reveal bilateral pedicle stress tractures at L4 (A) and L5 (B). C : T2 weighted magnetic resonance image shows bilateral pedicle stress fracture at L4 and L5 (arrows) and foraminal stenosis caused by spondylolisthesis.

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  Fig. 3 Postoperative simple lateral radiographs of the patient over 12 months period. A : Immediate postoperative lateral radiograph. B : At 3 months after operation. C and D : Dynamic radiographs (flexion and extension) reveal of the L4 pedicle at 12 months after operation.

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