Stress Fractures of the Lumbar Spine: Pediculolysis as an Unusual Presentation Variant. Case Report

Main Article Content

Néstor R. Davies
Mauro Silva
Gustavo Cánepa
Martín Cánepa
Pablo Azcoaga
David Orosco
Nicolás Ortiz

Abstract

In 1990, Gunzburg and Fraser introduced the term pediculolysis to describe stress fractures of the vertebral pedicles, a rare clinical presentation. Repetitive microtrauma associated with lumbar spine hyperextension and rotational movements is considered a key risk factor for this type of lesion. We report the case of a 22-year-old professional rugby player with a history of left-sided spondylolysiswho presented with an episode of disabling acute low back pain. Radiographic studies revealed a right pedicle fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and contralateral spondylolysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed signs of edema in the left pedicle. Conservative orthopedic management was indicated, with a favorable clinical outcome and return to full sports activity.

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How to Cite
Davies, N. R., Silva, M., Cánepa, G., Cánepa, M., Azcoaga, P., Orosco Falcone, D., & Ortiz, N. (2025). Stress Fractures of the Lumbar Spine: Pediculolysis as an Unusual Presentation Variant. Case Report. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 90(3), 285-289. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.3.2060
Section
Case Presentations
Author Biographies

Néstor R. Davies, Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Mauro Silva, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Hospital Evita, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Hospital Evita, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gustavo Cánepa, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital de Alta Complejidad Cuenca Alta, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital de Alta Complejidad Cuenca Alta, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Martín Cánepa, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital de Alta Complejidad Cuenca Alta, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital de Alta Complejidad Cuenca Alta, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pablo Azcoaga, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Hospital Evita, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Hospital Evita, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina

David Orosco, Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Nicolás Ortiz, Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Spine Department, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

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