Figure 5. (a) Plain radiograph (anteroposterior film) showing reduced height of L3 following fracture and widening of the right L2/3 facet joint space. (b) Plain radiograph (lateral) demonstrating fracture of L3. There is collapse of the superior endplate of the vertebral body with anterior wedging. (c) Sagittal multislice CT (MSCT) showing burst fracture of L3 with multiple fragments anteriorly and posteriorly and a fracture of the lamina of L3 not identified on the plain film. (d) Coronal MSCT demonstrates burst fracture of L3 but also fracture of the inferior right corner of L2. The L2 vertebral body is laterally translocated and rotated anticlockwise relative to L3. (e) Coronal MSCT showing disrupted right L2/3 facet joint and fracture of the left lamina of L3 as a result of fracture/rotation of L2 on L3. (f) Three-dimensional MSCT clearly demonstrating fracture of the inferior endplate of L2 and burst fracture of L3. (g) Sagittal T₂ weighted MRI showing compression of the cauda equina nerve roots by the retropulsed posterior superior fracture fragment of L3. (h) Sagittal T₂ weighted MR image showing severe narrowing of the spinal canal by the retropulsed posterior superior fracture fragment of L3.