Spine trauma: Low lumbar spine (l3–5)

Abstract

Although its incidence is less common than in the thoracolumbar junction, low lumbar trauma shares similar concepts in terms of diagnosis and treatment. There are, however, unique characteristics relating to the lumbar spine’s lordotic alignment, increased canal to neural element ratio, and relation to the sacrum that lead to different injury mechanisms, fracture patterns, degree of neurologic compromise, and fixation options, as compared to its counterpart. Likewise, there are more biomechanical and outcome studies involving the thoracolumbar junction than low lumbar segment; thus, more research is needed for this region.