J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2015 Jun;57(6):484-486. 10.3340/jkns.2015.57.6.484.

Unilateral Pedicle Fracture Accompanying Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis

• Kim HS
• Kim SW
• Ju CI
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2191260
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2015.57.6.484

Abstract

Unilateral pedicle stress fracture accompanying spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is rare even in the elderly. Most are associated with major trauma, previous spine surgery, or stress-related activity. Here, the authors describe an unique case of unilateral pedicle fracture associated with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis at the L5 level, which was successfully treated by posterior lumbar interbody fusion with screw fixation at the L5-S1 level. As far as the authors' knowledge, no such case has been previously reported in the literature. The pathophysiological mechanism of this uncommon entity is discussed and a review of relevant literature is included.

Keyword

Pedicle; Fracture; Spondylolysis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Fractures, Stress
Humans
Spine
Spondylolisthesis*
Spondylolysis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Plain radiographs showing spondylolytic spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1.

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  Fig. 2 Sagittal (A), axial (B), and coronal (C) computed tomographic scans showing a right pedicle stress fracture with sclerosis and spondylolysis at L5.

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  Fig. 3 T2 weighted magnetic resonance images showing the right pedicle fracture and foraminal stenosis caused by spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level.

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  Fig. 4 A plain lateral radiograph at 12 months after posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

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