OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical presentation of posterior limbus fractures and present a review of the literature on this topic.

CLINICAL FEATURES: Patients presented with a combination of lower back pain, muscle spasm, diminished reflex responses, restricted motion and foot drop. In some cases, onset followed trauma; in others, it did not.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Some patients required surgical intervention, whereas others underwent chiropractic manipulation and other conservative interventions.

CONCLUSION: Posterior limbus fractures represent an avulsion of the ring apophysis from the vertebral body. Appropriate diagnostic work-up can help determine the presence of this condition. Management considerations are discussed.

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