Limbus Vertebra

Description

Sagittal (A), axial (B), and volume-rendered 3D reformatted images (C) show an L4 limbus vertebra with a bony triangular fragment (arrow) and sclerotic margins located adjacent to the anterosuperior corner of the L4 vertebral body.

Illustration of limbus vertebra

Name

• Limbus Vertebra
• Limbus Vertebrae
• Limbus Bone

General

• Well corticated and unfused secondary ossification center of a vertebral body
• It is typically seen in the anterior/superior corner
• Occurs as a result of a herniated nucleus pulposus below the growth plate
• Location is typically in the mid-lumbar spine, rarely in the thoracic spine
• One of the accessory bones of the spine

Epidemiology

• Formation occurs while skeletally immature, under 18 typically
• Often found incidentally in older adults

Clinical Presentation

• Typically asymptomatic, detected incidentally
• Posterior limbus vertebrae are rare but can cause nerve compression

Radiographic Features

• Well corticated with smooth sclerotic border adjacent to corticated vertebral margin
• Triangular in shape
• Occupy the expected location of a normal vertebral body corner

History/Etymology

• Limbus: latin word meaning fringe or edge of something
• First described by Schmorl in 1927

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Clinical Significance

• Needs to be updated

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See Also

• Accessory Bones Main
• Back Anatomy Main
• Radiology Main

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