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Limbus vertebra

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Patient Data

Age: Young adult
Gender: Unknown
ct

Triangular well-corticated sclerotic bony fragment at the anteroinferior corner of the T12 vertebral body. The adjacent vertebral body is also sclerotic. No soft tissue swelling.

Conclusion:

Although slightly atypical in location, features are consistent with a limbus vertebra.

Case Discussion

Limbus vertebra is a well-corticated osseous density, usually of the anterosuperior vertebral body corner of the mid-lumbar spine, that occurs secondary to herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral body endplate beneath the ring apophysis. These are closely related to Schmorl nodes and should not be confused with limbus fractures or infection.

In this instance, the abnormality is located at the anteroinferior margin of the lower thoracic spine.

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