J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998 May; 21(4): 281-7.

Posterior limbus fractures: five case reports and a review of selected published cases.

Bonic EE, Taylor JA, Knudsen JT.

Diagnostic Imaging, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR 97230-3099, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical presentation of posterior limbus fractures and present a review of the literature on this topic. CLINICAL FEATURES: Patients presented with a combination of lower back pain, muscle spasm, diminished reflex responses, restricted motion and foot drop. In some cases, onset followed trauma; in others, it did not. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Some patients required surgical intervention, whereas others underwent chiropractic manipulation and other conservative interventions. CONCLUSION: Posterior limbus fractures represent an avulsion of the ring apophysis from the vertebral body. Appropriate diagnostic work-up can help determine the presence of this condition. Management considerations are discussed.