What Causes a Limbus Vertebra

Limbus vertebra is marginal interosseous herniation of the nucleus pulposus due to congenital abnormality, chronic stress and trauma to an immature spine during childhood and adolescence. The pathophysiology of limbus vertebra is likely to be similar and related to Schmorl’s nodes and Scheuermann’s disease.

How common is limbus vertebra?

The limbus vertebra is a rare condition poorly described in the medical literature. Marginal intrabody herniation of the nucleus pulposus resulting in the separation of a triangular bone fragment.

What is limbus vertebral body?

A limbus vertebra is a bone tubercle formed by bone trauma on a vertebral body, bearing a radiographic similarity to a vertebral fracture. The anterior-superior corner of a single vertebra is the common site for this defect although it can also be seen at the inferior corner as well as the posterior or anterior margin.