Traumatic displacement of the cartilagenous vertebral rim: a sign of intervertebral disc prolapse.

Abstract

Forward displacement of the ossified portion of the vertebral rim has been observed from the lower margin of C-2 and/or C-3 vertebrae in 4 adolescents, a finding which heralds prolapse of the contiguous intervertebral disc. Healing occurs with osteophyte formation at the site of injury. No late clinical or neurologic sequelae have been observed. Posterior displacement of the ossified posterior vertebral rim occurred from the inferior margin of L-4 in 2 adolescents. Prolapse of the subjacent disc with the vertebral rim was demonstrated by myelography in these cases and confirmed at surgery in one.