Skip to main content
Log in

Retroisthmic cleft: a stress fracture of the lamina

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Skeletal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract 

The retroisthmic cleft is a rarely diagnosed defect in the lamina of the lumbar spine. It has always been considered a congenital anomaly. This is the first report we are aware of showing radiological changes in a retroisthmic cleft over a period of time. The follow-up of this patient over a period of 6 years, the radiological and scintigraphic appearances and a review of the literature suggests that the retroisthmic cleft is a stress fracture of the lamina.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 9 September 1999 Revision requested: 12 October 1999 Revision received: 1 December 1999 Accepted: 2 December 1999

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wick, L., Kaim, A. & Bongartz, G. Retroisthmic cleft: a stress fracture of the lamina . Skeletal Radiol 29, 162–164 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002560050586

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002560050586

Navigation