Fracture of L3: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges A Case Report with Literature Review

Due to its high degree of mobility, the lumbar spine is the most common site of vertebral fractures. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman involved in a road traffic accident resulting in lumbar spine trauma. Clinical examination revealed low back pain aggravated by movement, associated with lower limb weakness graded 4/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Lumbar computed tomography demonstrated a fracture of the third lumbar vertebral body (L3) with retropulsion of the posterior vertebral wall. The patient underwent surgery five days after the accident, following procurement of the fixation hardware by her family. Posterior lumbar osteosynthesis was performed through a posterior approach. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 after suture removal and satisfactory wound healing. In conclusion, lumbar spine fractures can be effectively managed through a posterior-only approach with satisfactory outcomes.