Radiograph of a mild compression fracture of the lumbar spine

Radiographs of the lumbar spine in the AP (A) and lateral views (B) and a magnified lateral view (C) reveal a mild compression fracture of the superior endplate of L2 (arrowhead). The arrow shows a near normal appearing L2 in the AP projection with normal interpedicular distance. Note the step-off deformity of the anterior and superior aspect of the endplate of L2 (dashed arrow), which is a manifestation of the injury. There is less than 20% loss of vertebral height.