Fracture of posterior vertebral endplate mimicking lumbar disc herniation: Case report

Abstract

We report a 21-year-old man who was admitted to physical therapy clinic and had low back and left leg pain for 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed L5-S1 central disc herniation and the patient underwent physical therapy for 2 weeks. However patient's symptoms were worsened, and before surgical intervention, more radiologic investigations were planned. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan showed an L5 posterior endplate fracture. MRI is the standard modality for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation, but other diseases mimicking lumbar disc herniation may be overlooked in an MRI. As there are many different diseases that might be misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation, for accurate diagnosis, other diagnostic modalities besides MRI should be used to provide the appropriate surgical strategy. © 2015, Ege University Press. All rights reserved.