The CT appearance of avulsion of the posterior vertebral apophysis. A case report.

Avulsion and posterior dislocation of the posterior dislocation of the posterior part of the vertebral apophysis is a rare condition, occurring mainly in adolescence. If the avulsed part is ossified it may be diagnosed with conventional X-rays including myelography. The present case shows that CT scan with sagittal reconstruction gives exact information of the nature of the lesion as well as its extension into the spinal canal, and that CT alone is sufficient for preoperative diagnosis.